Type 2 diabetes (or glucose intolerance) is a chronic disease which affects the body's capacity to regulate blood sugar (glucose). If diabetes is not managed, it can lead to serious health issues, such as strokes, heart disease blindness, nerve damage , and kidney failure.

Therefore, it is essential to prevent diabetes if you're at risk such as if you are overweight, or have family history of the disease or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

What exactly is prediabetes?

Most people with prediabetes have been identified before being diagnosed with diabetes. This means that the blood sugar levels of these people are greater than normal. Diabetes occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels exceed a certain point. Diabetes is caused by the inability to use insulin that can cause too much glucose in blood.

It isn't usually linked to specific signs. The only way to know you're suffering from it is when the levels of your blood sugar are tested.

Can Type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Yes, you can avoid the development of diabetes by making a few changes to your lifestyle and it's never too late to begin. Here are some diabetes prevention tips from Inodaya Kakinada, the top diabetic hospital located in Kakinada.

1. Be aware of your weight

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by body fat that is too large. This is particularly true when it's located around your abdomen. If your current weight is higher than the healthy-weight range, losing 7-10% can lower your chance of developing the disease.

2. Exercise Regularly

Engaging in physical exercise regularly could aid in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. Your muscles will be able to be more active and work more frequently to increase their capacity to use insulin and absorb glucose. This puts less stress on your insulin-making cells. Thus, create an exercise routine such as vigorous walking for at minimum 30 minutes per day.

3. Keep a healthy and balanced diet

Cut down on the quantity of fat in your daily intake, especially trans fat and saturated fat. Make sure you are eating more vegetables, fruits, high-fiber foods, and other healthy food options. Whole grains are superior to refined grains, and other refined carbs. Reduce red meat consumption and limit sugary drinks and processed meats.

4. Don't smoke

In reality, smokers are 30-40 percent more likely to get type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Smoking cigarettes may cause the disease to worsen and controlling insulin levels more difficult since high levels of nicotine can lessen the efficiency of insulin. Thus the more cigarettes you smoke the higher your risk for Type 2 diabetes.

5. Limit your alcohol intake

While moderate consumption of alcohol can cause blood sugar to increase but excessive consumption of alcohol can actually decrease the levels of blood sugar. It may cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels, especially for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Moderate drinking of alcohol is appropriate if you have diabetes under control.

6. Control your blood pressure

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the body, which causes the walls of the blood vessels to stiffen, a process known as atherosclerosis. The high blood pressure can cause heart attack, kidney disease blood vessel damage, and kidney failure. Therefore, manage your blood pressure through regular exercise as well as a balanced diet and ensuring you are at an appropriate weight.

7. Consult your physician for routine examinations

As you get older and get older, it's beneficial to keep track of your blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is detectable quickly during a routine screening test and blood tests. So, to prevent serious health issues, you should have an annual diabetic check-up every three months after being first diagnosed, and then every six months after you're stable.