Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented – Four prevention tips
Found an intersesting artricle.
It has been reported that nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and by 2050 that number is expected to reach 48 million. Diabetes is the condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin – the hormone needed to convert sugar and starches into energy. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, amputations and kidney failure. It is also the fifth leading cause of death in the country and it can triple a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.*
National diabetes rates are surging, and although there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly destroys cells that make insulin, type 2 diabetes can often be prevented. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 percent of cases and is associated with obesity and lack of exercise. This type usually occurs after a condition known as pre-diabetes, which is currently affecting 57 million people in the United States. The good news is that pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented by making diet and exercise changes.
People do not have to give up their favorite treats but just find a better option that will help them achieve their health goals faster. For those who want to make a lifestyle change for the better, here are ways to incorporate treats into their diet:
Ice cream
No longer does reducing calories and fat mean that you have to give up a favorite treat – ice cream! New ice cream products can provide indulgence without the calories, satisfying your sweet tooth urges. If you are on the go, get a prepackaged 100-calorie bar or a frozen fruit bar. If you have to buy a family-size container, go for reduced fat, fat free or no sugar added. For example, buying no sugar added reduced fat vanilla will allow you to make banana splits and sundaes that have 100 calories less per cup. And if you want a treat that doesn’t require any prep, try the Blue Bunny No Sugar Added Fat Free Brownie Sundae ice cream – brownie chunks and ribbons of fudge in vanilla ice cream for 90 calories per serving!
Dark chocolate
Studies show that eating dark chocolate, above 60 percent cocoa, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health and lower blood sugar. Packed with natural antioxidants, dark chocolate and cocoa sit in the same good-for-you category as green tea and pomegranates. The trick is to shoot for 60 percent cocoa or above – the higher the natural cocoa content, the greater the antioxidant level. Keep in mind that dark chocolate is an indulgent treat and you only need a small portion. Moderation is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Light snacks
Making a few small changes when buying snacks can make a big difference. Go for multigrain crackers instead of cheese ones. Forget regular butter popcorn and grab a light pack or look for new varieties made with herbs and olive oil. When considering sweet snacks, choose light ones. The Blue Bunny Sweet Freedom line, for example, offers treats like the Black Raspberry bars made with no sugar added reduced fat ice cream. Choosing a Sweet Freedom dessert or a Sugar Free Bomb Pop will keep calories and carbohydrates low, which is essential to preventing diabetes.
Healthy Drinks
Soda contains no nutrients, yet it loads your body with extra calories and sugar. To get the most out of your diet, forget your daily soda and go for drinks that provide important vitamins. Low sodium 100 percent vegetable juice is a great option and so is vitamin or flavor-enriched water. Just make sure that you check drink labels for calories – healthy water drinks should contain zero calories. To get a fizz fix without all the sugar, try bubbly green-tea beverages.
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