How to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus
It goes without saying that most people want to PREVENT diabetes at all cost. So you can imagine how many conversations I have over this very topic. People have seen family members and loved ones suffer with this chronic disease and they just don’t want to be fooled with it. Diabetes has this black cloud over it, something like a death sentence to some. People automatically think that they will be put on insulin shots or have amputated limbs and because of this a good portion of diabetes education is spent debunking misconceptions. Now clearly, untreated, diabetes can and will wreck havoc on one’s life but that doesn’t have to be the case. So I thought it would be great to give some talking point bullets over ways one could prevent diabetes.
Regular Physical Activity —it’s recommended 150 min/week. What I like to tell patients is that’s 30 minutes of exercise for 5 days. It seems like people can take that in much better than total sum,
Voluntary weight loss— a person is actively and appropriately desiring to lose weight…not a quick fix! Patients need to understand that a drastic drop in weight is not healthy as well. We are looking for around 2 lbs of weight loss a week!
Increase fiber—helps with regular bowel movements, decrease effects of GI issues and the passage of waste build up in the body
Ingestion of fish/fish oil—this is heart protective; simply eating more fish or even taken a supplement would suffice. Some people complain of a “fishy” belch…have them store them in the freezer and swallow them whole. That should eliminate the belch.
Increase potassium intake—keep in mind the kidney function of the patient; You would need to decrease potassium in chronic kidney disease.
Low to Moderate alcohol consumption—dehydrates as well as add empty calories; the CDC has a great article over moderate drinking for men and women. CLICK HERE to read it!
Below, I posted my most recent video where I go into more detail & summarized the Guidelines set forth by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). If by chance you would like the complete guidelines, CLICK HERE to download from the AACE website! Also below, is a wonderful conversation that I had with Dr. Arti Thangudu who is a triple board certified Endocrinologist who’s primary focus is diabetes reversal/remission through lifestyle modifications.
Earlier in the week, I posted a video over Lifestyle Modifications and I recommend you watch that video. It was one of my first videos I posted on my YouTube channel and honestly, if we start there with our education, we can avoid diabetes. Getting our patients to buy in is the key! Also, below I posted my recent video over the Food Guidelines for Diabetes. As always, thank you for tuning in and your support!
