58% Diabetes Risk Reduction with Moderate Physical Activity and 5-10% Weight Loss
In the Heart Check program a significant number of participants discover risk factors associated with heart disease, some known and some not so obvious. Pre-diabetes is one of the not so obvious. The good news is you can determine risk and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through a healthy lifestyle.
Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range.
While the DPP also showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise worked better. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.
For those who do not exercise, moderate exercise such as walking, can be spread throughout the day and can extend the same benefits as vigorous activity. This is good news!
Physical activity helps in two ways. It often reduces body weight and will improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to lower blood sugar naturally.
RMH has a wealth of resources and educational services for people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. You may call RMH Healthsource 540-433-4580 for more information.
Uncategorized | Maria Hostetter | 
May 28, 2010 9:56 am
