New research shows that the same steps that reduce the risk of heart disease also lower the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. And, for those who already have diabetes, those steps, along with taking any prescribed medication, also can delay or prevent the development of complications of diabetes, such as eye disease and nerve damage. According to the research, a 7 percent loss of body weight and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week can reduce the chance of developing diabetes by 58 percent in those who are at high risk. The lifestyle changes cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or weight.
To reduce the risk of developing diabetes, as well as heart disease, you should:
- Aim for a healthy weight.
- Be physically active each day try to do 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking on most and, preferably, all days of the week.
- Don’t smoke.
- Prevent or control high blood pressure.
- Prevent or control high blood cholesterol.
If you already have diabetes, you can delay its progression, or prevent or slow the development of heart, blood vessel, and other complications by following the steps given above and these:
- Check with your doctor about physical activities that are best for you.
- Take your diabetes medicine as prescribed.
- Check your blood sugar every day. Call your doctor if your numbers are too high or too low for 2 to 3 days.
- Check your feet every day.
- Brush and floss your teeth and gums every day.
- Take any prescribed medication for other conditions, such as coronary heart disease.
- Check with your doctor about taking aspirin each day if you have heart disease.