Diabetes is a growing problem, but it is preventable in many cases. In today’s blog post, Countryside YMCA looks at diabetes prevention.

Young family at the kitchen counter

Diabetes is a major public health problem in the United States that doesn’t show signs of slowing down. An estimated 30 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and around one in four of these people don’t even know they have it. As of 2017, 84.1 million U.S. adults (26 percent) have prediabetes and may develop full-blown diabetes within five years unless they take preventive measures, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Countryside YMCA believes personal fitness and an active lifestyle can prevent diabetes in many cases. In today’s blog post, we look at three lifestyle changes that may help prevent this metabolic disorder. 

Moderating Sugar and Carb Intake

Moderating sugar and carb intake is one lifestyle change Americans can’t avoid in the fight against diabetes. Heavy diets of sugary foods and refined carbs put Americans at a higher risk of diabetes every day. Many studies show a link between excessive sugar and carb consumption and the risk of diabetes. Similarly, moderating sugar and carb intake may reduce the risk of diabetes. Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar leads to an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes. Moderating these types of foods is, perhaps, the easiest way to prevent the development of diabetes. 

Staying Active Through Personal Fitness

Personal fitness is also crucial to avoid diabetes. Insulin sensitivity is a significant contributor to diabetes because it makes cells less likely to respond to insulin, allowing sugar levels in the blood to remain high. Insulin sensitivity increases when people exercise. Higher insulin sensitivity lessens the amount of insulin needed to keep blood sugar levels in check. At Countryside YMCA, we offer a variety of personal fitness opportunities to help people of all fitness levels to stay active. 

Drinking Lots of Water

Sugary drinks like sodas and sports drinks have been linked to type 2 diabetes. People should drink plenty of water throughout the day, instead of soda or sports drinks, to make a good lifestyle choice that can help prevent diabetes. Harvard University states people who consume two or more servings of sugary drinks per day have a 26% chance of developing type 2 diabetes. It’s difficult to find drinks that don’t contain sugar, so drinking water is the best way to avoid overly sweet drinks. Even 100% fruit juice could have too much sugar in it. 

Contact Countryside YMCA for Personal Fitness Tips

Personal fitness and other lifestyle changes are crucial in the fight against diabetes. For more information on how Countryside YMCA and our programs, such as nutritional counseling, help people stay active, call (513) 932-1424 or learn more online today.