4 Ways to Prevent Diabetes

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According to the American Diabetics Association, over 34 million Americans have diabetes, but 88 million more people have been diagnosed with prediabetes. At NY Foot Health, we want patients to know they can take charge and prevent a prediabetes diagnosis from progressing to diabetes.

What is Prediabetes?

Nearly all patients that develop type 2 diabetes have prediabetes first. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes. You may notice some symptoms of diabetes. Often your feet are the place where signs of diabetes are noticeable. Cuts or wounds on your feet that are slow to heal and tingling, pain, or numbness in your feet may be pointing to diabetes. You should discuss these symptoms with your podiatrist. If you need to find a podiatrist in your area, consult our online directory. Other symptoms to watch for include:

  • Frequent urination

  • Excessive thirst

  • Feeling very hungry even though you are eating

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Blurry vision

Dialing Back Blood Sugar

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to bring your blood sugar back into a normal range. These include:

  1. Achieve or maintain an appropriate weight. Being obese or overweight is a risk factor for developing diabetes. Talk to your doctor about your weight and the best plan for helping you achieve your goal.

  2. Make your diet healthier. Eating nutritious foods such as lean proteins, a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products can help you control your blood sugar and lower your risk. Make small changes such as swapping flavored seltzer for soda and starting your dinner with a salad. Don’t try to completely makeover your diet all at once.

  3. Increase your physical activity. Strive for 30 active minutes a day for starters. Look for new activities that increase fitness and are fun, like dancing, biking, or taking daily walks with friends or family members. Add extra steps to your day by walking while you talk on the phone, parking farther away from the store, and making a few additional trips up the stairs.

  4. Quit smoking. Using tobacco increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Because it causes blood vessels to constrict, tobacco also impedes circulation, which can cause serious complications for your legs, feet, and rest of your body.

To learn more about diabetes and your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.

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