Almost everyone is familiar with diabetes. You probably know that the disease has to do with blood sugar levels, there are a few different types, and that those who have it need to take insulin to function. What you may not know, however, is that there is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes—this is called prediabetes.
The good news is that if you discover you are prediabetic, there are steps you can take to prevent it from developing into type 2 diabetes. Let’s go over the most important areas to start with!
1) Get active.
Regular physical activity boosts your insulin sensitivity, meaning your body needs less insulin to control blood sugar levels. Exercise, therefore, is one of the top weapons in a prediabetic’s arsenal. Being active also lowers your blood sugar and helps you lose weight, two factors that greatly affect your risk for developing diabetes. Try to get moving about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
2) Alter your diet.
Eating healthy keeps your blood sugar under control and reduces your chances of getting diabetes in general. Don’t confuse healthy eating with fad diets though. You need to make sustainable lifestyle changes with your diet for long-term health benefits. Food groups you should cut back on (or cut out) include sugary foods, refined carbs, high-fat, and high-calorie foods. Try to increase your intake of vegetables (less starchy ones), fiber, and whole grains.
3) Prioritize sleep.
Poor sleep habits make it more difficult for your body to lose weight and use insulin effectively. Establishing a regular sleep schedule will help you improve your quantity and quality of sleep. Try to wake up and go to bed around the same times each day. Before you hit the hay, take a half hour or so to relax without any electronics, which can disrupt your sleep.
4) Monitor your condition.
When you find out you’re prediabetic, it’s important to discuss a plan with your doctor for overseeing your condition. This may mean more frequent appointments or a referral to a personal trainer or dietician. Your doctor may also want to test your blood sugar regularly or even have you keep track of it at home. If this is the case, then BEK Medical has the tools you need to stay on top of your condition.
We offer top-quality home diabetic supplies to help individuals with diabetes and prediabetes monitor their condition and live a more comfortable lifestyle. With our Glucocard Vital Glucose Monitoring System, for example, it will be easy to track your blood sugar and know if your diabetes prevention plan is working or if additional action is needed.
Order the diabetic supplies you need from BEK Medical’s online shop today!
