What You Should Know About Preventing Diabetes | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

Did you know that more than 30 million Americans have diabetes? And the number of Americans at risk for the condition is even more significant, with 84.1 million Americans who have pre-diabetes. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to offer some insight on how to prevent diabetes.

Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Diabetes

To lower your risk of developing diabetes, living a healthy lifestyle is important. Not sure what a healthy lifestyle includes? Let’s take a look at three important components.

Regular Physical Activity

The number of Americans with diabetes continues to increase—at the same time our society becomes increasingly more sedentary. So the biggest thing you can do to help prevent diabetes might be to simply move more! Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on at least five days each week. Explore ways that you can incorporate more movement into your everyday life.

A Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is also essential in helping prevent diabetes. Aim to fill your plate at meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins, like chicken or fish. Limit your intake of sodium, added sugars and saturated fats.

A Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for diabetes. But don’t think you need drastic weight loss to lower your risk. Even losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk. Of course, losing more weight is even more beneficial, so talk with your doctor about ways you can safely achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Think you could do more to prevent diabetes? Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis to talk with a doctor about your risk factors and what can be done to lower your risk.