Your health span depends largely on your everyday decisions. Without good health, how can you achieve your dreams and goals? It’s important to remember, you can prevent severe medical conditions.
Prediabetes is one of them.
Although there are risk factors beyond your control, maintaining good physical health greatly reduces your chance of developing prediabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are above the recommended level. Type 2 diabetes develops when prediabetes is not addressed. Resulting in a worse condition with more severe consequences.
Prediabetes is Common in America
Unfortunately, prediabetes is extremely common in the United States. One in three Americans are prediabetic. Sadly, most are unaware of their risk. The problem is how often the early warning signs go unnoticed. Thankfully, prediabetic individuals can reverse the direction of their health through diet and exercise.
Here are three major risk factors:
Risk Factor #1— Overweight
The greatest risk factor for prediabetes is being overweight. Why? High amounts of fatty tissue around the abdomen cause cells to resist insulin. Certain foods increase fatty tissue around the abdomen, including processed meats and sugary drinks.
Risk Factor #2 — Inactive Lifestyle
Lack of exercise increases your risk. Exercise causes muscles to utilize excess blood sugar. This makes your body use insulin more effectively. An inactive lifestyle prevents your muscles from doing this, leading to prediabetes.
Risk Factor #3 — 45 years and older
Age becomes a risk factor for prediabetes after turning 45 years old. Since you can’t control getting older, you’ll need to regularly monitor your blood glucose levels as you age.
South Coast Post Acute is a Leader in Post-Acute Care
South Coast Post Acute is committed to innovative patient care. We focus on effective post-surgery recovery treatments. We strive to prevent rehospitalizations. Contact us today to learn how we can help you on your journey back to full health.