What You Need To Know About Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. You can live a healthy, active life with diabetes when it's managed well, but without treatment, it can lead to serious health problems.

If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, Banner–University Medicine can help. Its Diabetes Prevention and Education Center offers comprehensive care as well as educational programs, testing options and support for children and adults with all types of diabetes.

When it comes to diabetes prevention, eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do. This can be challenging — particularly during the holiday season — which is why Banner's Diabetes Prevention and Education Center is hosting its "Fall Foods That Satisfy" event! Here are the details:

"Fall Foods That Satisfy"

Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
Time: Noon
Location: Abrams Public Health Center (on Banner–University Medical Center South Campus)
3950 S. Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85714

You're invited to a cooking demo for holiday meals that are lighter, healthier and still satisfying. At the end of the demonstration, everyone will get to try the food! This event is free to the public, but seating is limited, so registration is encouraged. Call (520) 626-1609 to secure your spot!

There's currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but eating healthy and making certain lifestyle changes can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and prediabetes. Here's what you should know.

A healthy diet can help prevent, manage and even reverse some types of diabetes.

If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing the disease, the type of foods you eat have an immediate and direct impact on your health. According to Joel Hahnke, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist on staff at Banner Children's Specialists, eating healthy boosts energy, improves mood, helps control body weight and has many other benefits.

A dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist can help determine the best eating plan for your specific needs. Generally speaking, though, Dr. Hahnke says foods to include in a healthy diet are:

• Lean proteins — Lean proteins should take up a quarter of your plate and can include lean meats, fish, beans, legumes, dairy products and quinoa.
• Fruits and vegetables — Fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh, should fill half of your plate.
• Whole grains — Whole grains should fill the remaining quarter of your plate. These can include brown rice, whole wheat breads and pastas, oatmeal, and quinoa.

Foods that are not considered healthy include processed or "junk" foods that are high in sugars and carbs, have an unhealthy fat content and are low in vitamins and micronutrients. As Dr. Hahnke explains, eating these foods increases body fat and increases blood sugar levels, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes.

Regular exercise is also important in the prevention and maintenance of diabetes.

Regular activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently. You can improve your blood sugar levels by doing just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or biking, five times a week. Talk with your doctor to come up with an exercise plan that works well for you.

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly lower your risk of developing some types of diabetes.

Being overweight increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and prediabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, being overweight also can also lead to unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood sugar and even stroke.

The good news is that losing even a modest amount of weight can decrease your diabetes risk and improve your blood sugar levels. If you're overweight, talk to your health care provider about setting a healthy weight loss goal.

Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes has substantial health benefits.

When diabetes is quickly identified, your health care providers can get an early start on helping you manage the disease. Banner-University Medicine offers a variety of blood sugar screenings to diagnose diabetes early and sometimes even prevent it.

Who should be tested for diabetes? The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends adults ages 40 to 70 who are overweight or obese should be screened for abnormal blood glucose as part of an overall cardiovascular risk assessment.

No matter what your age, though, you should talk to your doctor about diabetes testing if experience these common symptoms of the disease:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Slow-healing cuts and bruises

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you don't have to fight it alone. Banner-University Medicine will be with you every step of the way. When diabetes is diagnosed early and closely managed, you can not only live with it, you can thrive.

More from Banner–University Medicine:
Can't-Miss October Wellness Events In Tucson
This Banner App Will Change The Way You Look At Health Care
Everything You Need To Know About Clinical Trials

Sources:
Banner Health: Living Well with Diabetes
Ask the Expert: Healthy Eating for Diabetes
What To Expect: Living With Diabetes