The worldwide incidence of people affected with diabetes soars to 382 million people, up from 317 million people in 2012. Even worse, this number doesn't seem to be slowing down. Oh no, in-fact, research suggests that the number of people diagnosed could surge to 592 million people by 2035. That's 55 percent! Death from diabetes is estimated at 5.1 million a year or 1 every 6 seconds. If these numbers tell us anything, it's that WE are clearly losing the war on diabetes and obesity. I say "we" because most of us know someone who struggles with this disease. I also say "we" because "we" are footing the bill. The American Diabetics Association estimates healthcare costs associated with diagnosed diabetes at 245 billion. That's BILLION with a B. That's a pretty substantial societal and economic burden, not to mention the millions of lives lost from this debilitating disease. In a time where health insurance rates are soaring, I think we can all see the value in controlling the costs associated with this disease.
The majority of people diagnosed with diabetes are struggling with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your body can no longer metabolize sugar effectively, leading to increases in blood sugar levels. Elevated blood sugar levels are associated with a long list of dangerous and life threatening complications, some of which include damage to the heart, eyes, blood vessels, and kidneys. Type 2 diabetes has been clearly associated with lifestyle choices, including lack of exercise and a poor diet. Through exercise our body has a much easier time lowering blood sugar levels. This is why it is imperative that the diagnosed diabetic follows a regular workout routine. For those of you that are currently disease free, I suggest PREVENTION. As Ben Franklin once said, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Here is a quick list of the things you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes.
1. EXERCISE... That's a big one.
2. Eat a nutrient rich, plant based diet that is high in fiber and low in processed sugars and chemicals.
3. Avoid toxins in your home and environment. Diabetes has also been linked to toxins in our environment!
4. Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
5. Increase muscle mass! More muscle = decreased risk of diabetes. Muscle eat's up sugar and consequently keeps your blood sugar levels stable.
6. Get regular check ups with your doctor
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