Known as the silent killer, diabetes often goes undiagnosed. And according to Diabetes Australia, approximately 2 million Australians have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and are even starting to show some symptoms of the disease. Recent data shows that among 65 – 74 year-olds the risk is three times higher than for 45 – 54 year-olds, and 1.5 times higher than for 55 to 64-year-olds. Widely recognised as the country’s fastest-growing disease, diabetes can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life as well as life expectancy. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes that can be made in order to prevent or reduce your risk. With World Diabetes Day recently passed in November, we look at how to do so.
Before we go any further, it’s wise to understand the different types of diabetes. While in general, diabetes is the body’s inability to turn glucose into energy due to the lack of insulin. This results in high glucose levels in the body. There are three different types of diabetes which we break down below:
Type 2 is our focus here, as it affects the majority of Australian cases, especially ageing Australians. The symptoms include weight gain, lack of energy, headaches, dizziness, slow healing wounds, mood swings and more. Luckily, the risk of type 2 diabetes is reduced with a number of lifestyle modifications. To avoid the unwelcome disease and all of its symptoms, the following lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk.
A well-balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables and non-processed foods that are high in fibre, is essential for anyone wanting to be healthy, but even more so for those at risk of diabetes. Eating foods that are high in essential vitamins and minerals and low in saturated and trans fats will provide you with a controlled blood pressure and decrease the amount of fat stored in your body. Both high blood pressure and excess fat can increase your body’s resistance to insulin. Adopting a healthy diet will benefit your overall health and wellbeing.
Regular exercise, even if it’s just a daily walk can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood glucose levels, reduce high blood pressure and even high cholesterol. All of these factors will aid your body in the production of insulin. This will ensure that high glucose levels don’t become a common occurrence.
High levels of alcohol intake are known to lead to weight gain, and an increase in blood pressure. This doesn’t mean you have to give up drinking alcohol but rather that it should be drunk in moderation. You can still have your daily glass of wine or a weekly beer or two. But excessive alcohol intake should be a thing of the past. The Better Health Channel recommends two standard drinks a day for men and one for women.
As we age it’s vital to have regular check-ups with the doctor to ensure good health. Make sure you include blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol level checks as part of these appointments. You can even take an online risk assessment to find out whether or not you should see a registered medical practitioner about your potential risk.
Whether the risk runs in your family or not, type 2 diabetes can affect you due to a number of lifestyle choices. Luckily, there are a number of ways to reduce your risk, or even prevent yourself from getting diabetes altogether. From reducing your intake of processed food, ensuring moderate exercise and limiting your alcohol intake, to regular medical check-ups, you can ensure that this rapidly growing disease is managed.
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