By Janessa VandenBerge, MPH, CHES®, Community Health Educator,
November is American Diabetes Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day. This November, take control of your life by knowing your risk.
In Wisconsin, one in three adults have prediabetes. Yet 90% don’t know they have it (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014). Prediabetes is a serious health condition that comes before diabetes. It means your blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels are higher than normal but aren’t high enough to be called type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes. Take 60 seconds today to know your risk: www.diabetes.org/widhsrisktest.
Prediabetes can be reversed if caught early! Small changes can make a big difference. Take these steps today to improve your health:
• Eat Healthier. Avoid or cut back on sugary beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, and sugar-sweetened teas and coffees. Eat smaller portions. Limit fried foods. Fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
• Get Active. Aim to walk for 30 minutes, five days a week. If you don’t have 30 minutes all at once, take shorter walks during the day.
• Manage Your Weight. Make a plan to lose weight. Losing even a few pounds will help.
• Manage Your Stress. Take a walk, read, meditate, clean, do yoga…find what works for you!
• Stop Smoking. If you need help quitting, call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).
• Take Your Medication as Prescribed. If you have been prescribed medication by your doctor, take your medication as directed – it can improve your health and help you live longer.
For additional information, visit PreventDiabetesWI.org.