Are You at Risk of Diabetes?

Written By Febby Indra on Saturday, July 9, 2011 | 1:38 AM

About 18 million Americans are considered pre-diabetic. Simply put, these individuals are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Prevention tips for diabetes
"The good news is if you have pre-diabetes, you can do something about it," says Tommy G. Thompson, US Health and Human Services secretary. "We want people to know that pre-diabetes is a serious condition that can be reversed or alleviated with modest changes in their daily routines, such as eating fewer calories and walking regularly for exercise."

Research continues to point to diet and exercise as a means pre-diabetics can reduce their chance of developing diabetes. A study published in the June 2002 issue of the medical journal Lancet reveals pre-diabetic participants reduced their chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. How? By eating a low-fat, low-carb diet and following a sufficient exercise program.

To increase your chance of staying diabetes free, experts advise you avoid refined carbs and sugars, and foods containing a high starch content such as white bread, potatoes and white rice, as recommended by low-carb diets. For additional diet and nutrition tips specific to your needs, consult with your health care provider.

Diabetes quiz: What's your risk?
Are you at risk for developing diabetes? Take this quiz to determine your risk factors.

1. Are you overweight?
2. Do you have a brother, sister or parent suffering from diabetes?
3. Are you Hispanic, African-American, or Native American, or have one parent who is?
4. Do your feet often feel numb or tingly?
5. When you get a cut or scratch, does it seem to take a long time for it to heal?
6. Has your weight recently changed for no reason?
7. Are you often overly thirsty or hungry?
8. Are you tired a lot of the time?
9. Is your vision sometimes blurry?
10. Do you have to urinate more often than usual?

Results: If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be at risk for diabetes. The more "yes" answers you have, the higher your risk. It's important to discuss your risk factors and any other diabetes concerns you have with your doctor. If you answered "no" to all of these questions, but feel you are at risk for developing diabetes, consult with your doctor.

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