Consider nutrition’s role in diabetes this National Nutrition Month.
The sharp upward trajectory of the number of young people under the age of 20 developing diabetes projects to reach 526,000 in 2060 — a 700 percent increase over today.
For doctors and other medical professionals, this stark forecast sounds a cause for concern as it’s diabetes that bring a significant increase in the risk of developing heart disease, having a stroke or experiencing various other quality-of-life-limiting complications as patients progress in the disease.
It can even result in premature death.
However, as it’s obesity that’s the leading cause of young people developing type 2 diabetes (the most common form), it’s one of the few chronic conditions that can be prevented through lifestyle modifications — specifically, by practicing proper nutrition and being physically active.
Diabetes by the numbers
1.4 million
Americans diagnosed with diabetes annually
96 million
Americans considered pre-diabetic
37.3 million
Americans living with diabetes every day
422 million
Worldwide population living with diabetes
95 percent
Cases of type 2 diabetes among all diabetes diagnoses
283,000
American youths (18 and under) diagnosed with diabetes
23,000
American youths (18 and under) diagnosed with diabetes in 2014
282,810
American death certificates listing diabetes annually
7th
Leading cause of death in the United States
$337 billion
Medical costs directly associated with diabetes
Nutrition and diabetes prevention
It’s the most common form of diabetes, but type 2 is also the
most preventable form of the condition.
Slight lifestyle modifications can have significant strides in avoiding a future diagnosis.
Losing excess weight
Greater weight loss will go further in lower risk, but even a 7 percent weight loss can reduce risk by up to 60 percent.
Increasing physical activity
Cardiovascular and weight resistance exercises aid in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and weight loss.
Healthy diet
Fruits and vegetables provide healthy carbs, sugars, and fiber, and unsaturated fats promote healthy cholesterol and cardiovascular wellness.
Commitment to these lifestyle modifications, while avoiding short-term, limited-success “fad” programs will increase the likelihood of long-term, sustained good health.
Talk to your doctor
Concerned about your or a loved one’s risk for developing diabetes? Talk to your doctor to review your risk factors and create a plan to sustained health.
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