What is type 2 diabetes?
According to Diabetes Australia, Type 2 diabetes is a condition that the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin. This effect the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels, and over time this can cause health complications.
Who is at risk?
There are things we can all do to help prevent type 2 diabetes, but certain groups are a little more at risk, including:
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People over 45 with high blood pressure or who are overweight
- People over 35 from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
How can I help to prevent type 2 diabetes?
While the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes may be a scary thought, there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make today which will help to keep it at bay.
- Staying at a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.
- Managing blood pressure. Regular exercise, reducing the amount of salt and alcohol in your diet, and trying to de-stress are all ways to reduce blood pressure. For some inspiration, the Heart Foundation has suggested five foods to help reduce blood pressure.
- Reducing cholesterol by cutting down on saturated fats, which are found in fatty meats, full cream dairy products, palm and coconut oils and highly processed foods such as cakes, chips, chocolates and fried foods.
- Quit smoking. The Australian government offers a service to help.
The good news is that Diabetes Australia suggests that taking these simple lifestyle measures can help to prevent type 2 diabetes in 58% of cases.
