November is National Diabetes Month! Prediabetes is a serious health condition affecting more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
The good news is that by making small healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes and even reverse your prediabetes. Here are some tips to help manage prediabetes and prevent diabetes.
- Know Your Risk Factors. Read about risk factors for type 2 diabetes here and see which ones apply to you. Taking action on the factors you can change can help you delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
- Move more. Limit time spent sitting and try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week. Start slowly by breaking it up throughout the day.
- Choose healthier foods and drinks most of the time. Pick foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and sugar. Build a plate that includes a balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks.
- Lose weight, track it, and keep it off. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight.
- Seek support. It is possible to reverse prediabetes. Making a plan, tracking your progress, and getting support from your health care professional and loved ones can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes.
In addition to Diabetes Prevention, Telligen also offers Diabetes Management as part of our Disease Management Program. Telligen’s certified diabetic educators build relationships with members and their families and/or caregivers to understand their conditions. We coordinate healthcare treatments and coordinate with providers on evidence-based practices to improve the health of members and manage costs.