Are any of the following true? You have poor concentration or poor ability to focus. You overweight. You crave sweets and sugars regularly. You feel weak/faint between meals. Your triglyceride level over 175. You are unable to lose or gain weight. You have a family history of diabetes or heart disease. Your injuries are slow to heal. You have frequent fevers or infections. You experience numbness or tingling sensations frequently. You have blood-clotting problems (increased blood clotting). You have high blood pressure (greater than140/90). You gain more than 5 pounds per year. You have issues with your blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can be a dangerous disease if not addressed. It can lead to blindness, severe organ damage, high rates of infection, and even a need for amputation. Lifestyle modification, through exercise and diet, should always be a part of prevention and treatment.
Emphasis on consuming plenty of fiber during meals as well as incorporating healthy fats and a small amount of protein may be helpful. Always avoid simple sugars and refined foods, as they can drastically alter blood sugar levels.
Providing there is no medical contraindication, a sustainable exercise program, 30 minutes 5 days a week is reasonable to start. Exercise can help control blood pressure, increase beneficial HDL cholesterol and lower harmful LDL cholesterol, enhance the body’s insulin response, and help stabilize and maintain blood glucose levels. Thus, an exercise in itself is a helpful tool in treating “Metabolic Syndrome” associated with diabetes.
