The American Diabetes Association reports that an estimated
25.8 million people has diabetes across the nation including
1.9 million new adult cases diagnosed last year.
Diabetes is charaterized by big surges in blood glucose levels.
Unfortunately, Type 1 or juvenile diabetes is not preventable.
It occurs when the body doesn't produce insulin, the hormone
that regulates blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, the
more common type, occurs when insulin response is compromised
by unnatural surges in blood sugar that the body just can't
manage. However, it is largely preventable.
People can lower their risk of getting type 2 diabetes through
lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a good diet.
Losing just 5 percent of body weight in overweight and obese
cases can significantly lower the risk.
For the average person a well-balanced diet and regular exercise
can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
Sheila McKinney
