COVID-19: What T1 Diabetes Patients Need to Know

From webmd.com

THURSDAY, April 9, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you already have a lot of extra health worries, and now you need to add COVID-19 infections to the list.
You may be wondering if you have a higher risk of catching COVID-19, if you'll be able to get your diabetes supplies and how you might handle the illness if you do get sick.

Here's some information to help you get through this trying time:

Is my risk of COVID-19 higher?
      
Aaron Kowalski, CEO of JDRF (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), has some good news on this front.
"Healthy type 1 folks aren't more at risk if they have a reasonable A1C," he said. An A1C is a blood test that estimates blood sugar control during the past two to three months.

But, for those who are having trouble keeping their A1C down, he added that consistently high blood sugar can make people more susceptible to infection.

Dr. Mary Pat Gallagher is director of the paediatric diabetes centre at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
"If you have an A1C that is less than 9.5%, you are not really considered immunocompromised," she said. "Higher blood sugar levels for more than two weeks can impair immune function."

But, she cautioned, "None of us has any immunity to this virus. We're all extremely susceptible, whether or not we have type 1 diabetes."
What about complications?

While some of the early data from China and Italy seems to suggest that people with diabetes have a higher risk of complications, Gallagher said those findings probably represent older people with type 2 diabetes and additional medical conditions.

"Children appear -- regardless of [any other illnesses] -- to be doing very well. There are definitely children in the hospital, but their risk of developing serious illness is much lower," Gallagher noted.
And, no matter your age, if your blood sugar is well-controlled, you probably don't have a higher risk of COVID-19-specific complications. But getting sick when you have type 1 diabetes is always a challenge.

Having an illness often wreaks havoc on your blood sugar control. Viral illnesses, like the flu, are known to increase your risk of ketones and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), so it's important to be extra vigilant when it comes to your type 1 diabetes management. Ketones are chemicals that can build up in the body when it breaks down fat for energy. When there are too many ketones, DKA -- a potentially life-threatening complication -- can occur.

Be aware that medications can raise your blood sugar, and some drugs affect the accuracy of readings on certain continuous glucose monitors.

"Getting sick definitely adds complexity to type 1 diabetes," Kowalski said. "Having a sick day management plan is important."
Gallagher recommended getting a 24-hour number for your doctor's office that you can reach in an emergency. Post it somewhere that's easy for everyone in the family to see.

Supplies to have on hand

Gallagher advised filling your prescriptions as soon as possible, if you haven't already. She suggested trying to get a three-month supply. "A lot of insurance companies are lifting prescription time restrictions," she said.

Supplies you should have on hand typically include:

• Insulin
• Back-up long-acting insulin (if you're currently using a pump)
• Glucagon
• Insulin pump supplies (such as reservoirs, infusion sets)
• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors
• Ketone strips
• Batteries for insulin pumps, CGMs and standard glucose meter
• Blood sugar test strips (be sure these aren't expired) and lancets
• Low blood sugar treatments (such as glucose tabs and juice)
• Easy-to-digest foods, like crackers, soup or ice pops
• Fluids with and without sugar (so you have options for both high and low blood sugar situations)

Kowalski said JDRF has been in touch with insulin and device makers, and the supply chain is strong. There are no significant shortage concerns. He said there may be spotty shortages for a few days at a time in some areas because a lot of people have been filling prescriptions all at once, and many have switched from one month at a time to three months.

What to do if you get sick

If you do get sick, call your doctor for more specific instructions on what to do.
Your diabetes sick day management should tell you when to test for ketones. As a general rule, if you're on an insulin pump and your blood sugar is over 250 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and you haven't responded to a correction dose of insulin, check your ketones and call your doctor.

If you're on multiple daily injections and your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL (despite a correction dose of insulin) for more than two or three hours, check for ketones and call your doctor, Gallagher suggested. Someone on your doctor's team will walk you through what to do next to help bring your blood sugar down.

Gallagher said it's important to remember that people with type 1 diabetes always need a long-acting insulin (called "basal" insulin in a pump), even when sick. She said you can reduce the basal insulin, but you shouldn't stop it, especially not for more than several hours without speaking with someone on your diabetes health care team.

If you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, excess fatigue or fruity-smelling breath, call your diabetes doctor right away. These are signs of DKA.

Day by day
Kowalski suggested that everyone follow the guidelines on washing hands, keeping a safe physical distance from others, and getting up and moving. In scary times exercise can be a good way to work off stress, he said.

Gallagher emphasized the need for people with type 1 diabetes and their families to try to get some physical activity every day, while maintaining social distancing rules, of course. An hour is ideal, she said.

And, she said, "There's a lot of worry about consistent access to food, making it harder to meal plan. It's also easy to eat poorly when you're under stress, so try to make good food choices when you can."

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200409/covid19-what-t1-diabetes-patients-need-to-know#1

18 of the Best Non-Perishables for People with Diabetes

From healthline.com

If you have diabetes, you may be concerned about eating well while social distancing or self-quarantining. Keeping non-perishable foods on hand can be a great way to minimize your trips to the store and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need to make nutritious meals.

Notably, numerous frozen or shelf-stable foods have a minimal effect on your blood sugar levels. You may even already have some in your pantry or freezer.

Here are 18 of the best non-perishables for people with diabetes.

1. Dried or canned chickpeas

Chickpeas are popular in numerous dishes. While they contain carbs, they’re also rich in fiber, protein, and fat — all of which help minimize their overall effect on your blood sugar levels.

You can use these tasty legumes to make hummus or falafels. What’s more, they make a filling meat alternative and can be added to soups, salads, and stir-fries.

If stored in a cool, dark pantry, dried chickpeas keep for up to 3 years.

2. Canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes can flavour numerous dishes, including soups and stews.

These savory, red fruits are also rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, which may promote heart health. Plus, they’re fairly low in carbs, so they only affect your blood sugar levels minimally.

Canned tomatoes can be used in cooking or to make sauces. Canned veggies typically don’t expire for several years after purchase.

3. Peanut butter

Peanut butter is an inexpensive source of healthy protein, fat, and fiber — and it has few carbs.

It’s a great way to make a snack more filling. You can add it to toast or crackers, blend it into a smoothie, or use it as a dip for apples or baby carrots. It’s likewise great in savory dishes like Thai-inspired stir-fry.

Just be sure to choose natural peanut butter brands that don’t contain added sugar, as sugary foods negatively affect blood sugar control.

After opening, peanut butter lasts for about 1 year.

4. Pistachios

Pistachios are a tree nut that packs healthy protein and fat. They’re also rich in fiber, making them a great snack for people with diabetes.

They serve as a crunchy addition to salads and can be crushed to make breading for fish or chicken.

Pistachios last for about 6 months in your pantry, although refrigeration greatly extends their shelf life.

5. Canned salmon

Canned salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your brain and fight inflammation.
Moreover, this fish is packed with protein and has no carbs. Canned salmon also contains some bones, which are safe and edible — and provide a calcium boost.
You can use canned salmon on salads or in salmon patties. It typically doesn’t expire until 2 years after purchase.

6. Seed crackers

Seed crackers are crackers made from a variety of seeds, such as sesame, flax, and chia seeds.
Seeds serve as a healthy source of fat and fiber, which help slow these crackers’ effects on your blood sugar levels.

They can be paired with peanut butter or cheese as a snack, or included in a light meal like chicken salad or soup.

If kept tightly sealed and stored in a pantry or fridge, seed crackers should last for about 1 month.

7. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds. They boost digestive health because they’re rich in soluble fiber and form a gel in your gut. This helps slow digestion and prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.

Chia seeds add crunch to salads and smoothies. You can also use them to make chia pudding, a delectable treat that’s delicious with fresh fruit.

These seeds last up to 4 years in your pantry.

8. Frozen berries

Berries like raspberries are relatively low in sugar and high in fibre compared with other fruits like bananas or apples, so they affect your blood sugar levels to a lesser extent.

Additionally, berries are packed with health-boosting nutrients and antioxidants.

Frozen berries can be used in smoothies, cooking, and baking, and they last up to 1 year in the freezer — although you’ll want to check them on occasion for freezer burn.

9. Frozen cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile ingredient that can replace mashed potatoes, rice, and even certain pastas like macaroni. Its mild flavour makes it a great substitute for these starchy carbs.
Plus, it boasts a very low carb count.

Frozen cauliflower can last for up to 1 year in the freezer but should be checked for freezer burn often.

10. Quinoa

Quinoa is a chewy whole grain with a taste and texture similar to that of brown rice. However, it has more protein and fibre — and fewer total carbs — than brown rice, making it ideal for people with diabetes.

Quinoa lasts for about 6 months to 1 year if properly stored in a sealed container in your pantry.

11. Canned mushrooms

Canned mushrooms, which taste milder than fresh varieties, give a nutrient boost to endless dishes. They’re particularly popular in soups and stir-fries.

Mushrooms are fibre-rich and low in carbs, so they affect your blood sugar negligibly. Some varieties, including white button contain ergothioneine, an amino acid that has antioxidant properties and may aid blood sugar management.

Canned mushrooms usually don’t expire until 2 years after purchase.

12. Canned or frozen spinach

Given that spinach contains very few carbs and calories, you can eat a large quantity with a minimal effect on your blood sugar levels.

You can cook it as a side or add it to soups, stir-fries, and many other dishes to increase your intake of fibre, antioxidants, and provitamins A and K.

Canned spinach lasts up to 4 years, while frozen spinach keeps for up to 1 year.

13. Canned chicken

Canned chicken is fairly lean, rich in protein, and contains almost no carbs. It’s also convenient, as it’s fully cooked and ready to eat.
You can use it in soups, salads, and casseroles in the same way as you would use cooked chicken that’s shredded or cubed. It also makes for easy chicken salad.

Canned chicken lasts up to 4 years.

14. Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is a great treat for people with diabetes — and the darker the better, as chocolate with a higher cocoa content tends to pack less added sugar. Cocoa is also rich in fibre and healthy fats.

For instance, just 3 squares (30 grams) of 78% dark chocolate offers 14 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fibre — with only 11 grams of carbs.

You can eat it on its own or include it in numerous desserts. A dark chocolate bar keeps for up to 4 months in your pantry, but freezing it extends its shelf life.

15. High protein pasta

High protein pastas are usually made from legumes, such as black beans or chickpeas, instead of wheat.
Legumes contain carbs but boast more fibre and protein than wheat, making high protein pastas a better choice for people with diabetes.

You can replace regular pasta with a high protein variety in any recipe. It lasts dry for up to 6 months.

16. Protein powder

Most protein powders are low in carbs and added sugars while providing hefty doses of protein. They’re also quick and convenient.

Whey protein is derived from cow’s milk, so if you prefer a plant-based option, you can use soy or pea protein powder.

Protein powders is a great addition to smoothies, protein shakes, and desserts. It typically lasts for up to 1 year if sealed and stored in a cool, dry place.

17. Shelf-stable milk

Shelf-stable milk, whether dairy or plant-based, is always good to have on hand.
Although cow's milk is slightly higher in carbs than some non-dairy alternatives, it has protein and fat — unless it’s skim — that reduce its effects on your blood sugar. Alternatively, some plant-based milks like unsweetened almond milk contain few carbs to begin with.

If you opt for plant milk, make sure to buy varieties without added sugar.

Both shelf-stable and plant-based milks can be used in various recipes, such as protein-rich smoothies, soups, and baked goods. They last unopened for several months but should be refrigerated after opening.

18. Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, and consuming it regularly may help you manage your blood sugar levels.

Olive oil is pure fat, so it contains no carbs to affect your blood sugar levels. However, it’s high in calories, so you should use it in moderation.
It’s a popular cooking oil and ideal for vinaigrettes, dressings, and dips.

Meal planning tips

Keeping blood sugar levels consistent is an important consideration for people with diabetes.
Since carbs affect your blood sugar levels more than protein and fats, your meals and snacks should all contain roughly the same number of carbs.

The number of carbs that you need or can tolerate depends on many factors, including your body size, activity level, insulin sensitivity, and calorie needs.

While the best way to determine the right amount for your needs is to consult a knowledgable healthcare provider, here are some examples of a single serving of some carb-rich foods:

• 1/3 cup (about 50 grams) of rice or pasta
• 1/2 cup (117 grams) of oatmeal or grits
• 1 slice of bread
• 1 small tortilla or dinner roll
• 6 crackers
• 1/2 cup (80 grams) of potatoes or sweet potatoes, cooked
• 1 piece of fruit or 1 cup (144 grams) of berries
• 1 cup (240 mL) of milk

Try to include protein and fat in each meal or snack to help keep you full and prevent your blood sugar levels from rising quickly.

Before making any large changes to your diet, consult your healthcare provider so that they can properly adjust your medications and insulin dosages if needed.

Summary
If you have diabetes, you should try to keep your carb intake consistent across all your meals and snacks.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/non-perishables-for-people-with-diabetes#Meal-planning-tips

Family Ties Help Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Flourish

From usnews.com
By Serena Gordon

WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Type 1 diabetes is a challenging, time-intensive disease that often strikes children, and new research suggests that strong family support helps improve the well-being of young adults with the condition.

The study found that young adults (under 30) with type 1 diabetes were more likely to be "flourishing" if they had good family connections. Flourishing was defined in the study as having a general sense of well-being, including having a purpose in life, feeling self-acceptance, and having positive relationships with others.

"Communication and connection with parents is super-important throughout human development, but type 1 diabetes can become a rupturing event for some families. The stress of the disease can be more than some families can handle," said study author Dr. Robert Whitaker. He's the director of research and research education at the Columbia-Bassett Program in Cooperstown, N.Y.

"People caring for the disease can get distracted by it. But children with diabetes have a bunch of the same childhood experiences and struggles as other children. Parents need to stay in touch with the whole child," he said.

And that's not always easy with type 1 diabetes. The condition requires frequent management, which can allow other childhood issues to fall by the wayside.

Dr. Molly Regelmann, an endocrinologist at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City, explained, "Good diabetes management requires constant monitoring of blood sugars and insulin administration. Every time [someone] wants to eat, they have to think about their blood sugar, the food they are about to eat, their physical activity level, and the dose of insulin."

Regelmann added that people need to be sure they have diabetes supplies with them any time they leave the house, and if they're traveling, they have to predict what they might need for an extended time. People with diabetes or their parents also have to deal with insurance companies and the need for extra paperwork to get diabetes supplies, she explained.

While there may be many complications linked to day-to-day management, there's also more opportunities for parents and kids to connect out of necessity.

"It's easier to manage diabetes with someone than alone, and connection is a key part of that. Parents can provide a safe place to process it all. And connection in the context of adversity leads to flourishing," Whitaker said.

The study included almost 750 young adults with type 1 diabetes. They were between the ages of 18 and 29, and were recruited from one diabetes specialty clinic in New York City. All of the study participants completed an online survey in 2017.

The survey included questions about the relationships between parents and children, and whether or not parents understood kids' worries and if the young people felt they could confide in their parents and if they felt loved.

Young people who reported more positive answers to these questions were significantly more likely to be flourishing in their late teens and 20s.

While blood sugar management is an important goal, Whitaker said someone who is flourishing doesn't necessarily have better blood sugar control. He noted that the reverse is also true -- like someone who has straight A's, but struggles in other areas of life, it's possible to have great blood sugar control without having balance in other parts of your life.

If connection to parents helps predict who might flourish more in young adulthood, does that mean teens with type 1 diabetes who don't have a strong parental connection or who are abused won't flourish later?

Whitaker said the connection didn't have to be with both parents. They saw positive effects from a connection with one parent. For those without a connection to either parent, Whitaker suggested, "Look for the assets in your life. Who is safe, stable and nurturing? Other adults can be a source of positive connection [such as teachers, coaches, doctors]."

Regelmann also recommended turning to doctors and diabetes educators for support, particularly in the transition between the teen years and becoming a young adult.

"It is essential to have dedicated physicians and nurse practitioners with experience caring for and appreciating the specific needs of young adults [with type 1 diabetes]," she said, adding that mental health and social service support is also important for these young people.

The findings were published recently in JAMA Network Open.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-04-08/family-ties-help-young-adults-with-type-1-diabetes-flourish

Coronavirus Q&A: Well-controlled diabetes and coronavirus risk

From nhregister.com

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, medical and health questions have flooded in from readers.

Where is it safe to go, and how does the virus spread? Who is at higher risk? How do I keep myself and my family safe?

From day one, our reporters began looking for answers.

This week, we went back to one of the experts who previously helped us: Dr. Dennis Brown, who heads Quinnipiac University’s physician assistant program. Brown specializes in emergency management and community health.

Although the busy professor did not have time to sit down for a video interview early this week, he answered some questions via email.

Many of the questions came directly from readers, while reporters came up with some of their own inquiries based on what they had learned in the field.

Here’s what Brown had to say.

Question: Is it unsafe for people with COVID-19 to take ibuprofen?

Answer: When it comes to using ibuprofen when you have COVID-19, medical recommendations vary, according to Brown.

Because the drug works by decreasing the body’s inflammatory response and that response is part of the immune system’s reaction to try to kill the virus, some have expressed concern that the virus could do more harm in patients taking ibuprofen, Brown said.

To be safe, the professor recommended using acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease fever and pains.

Q: Can multiple patients use the same respirator? If so, are there drawbacks?

A: Ventilators are designed to serve one person at a time, according to Brown.

While they can be adjusted to serve more than one patient, that measure is only taken in serious emergencies, when there are no other ventilators are available, Brown said.

There are drawbacks, especially as the best ventilator settings for each patient varies, he continued.

Q: How long after recovery from coronavirus would a test be able find a trace in your system?

A: “Most recent data is suggesting that people are still shedding the virus up to three to five days after a severe illness,” Brown said.

Q: If you’re not leaving the house at all, is it still necessary to disinfect all surfaces inside daily?

A: While a full disinfection is probably not necessary, keeping the house clean is a great way to get rid of other bacteria and viruses that are still around, and to prevent illnesses such as the common cold, according to Brown.

Q: Should blood donors be tested for COVID-19?

A: If the donor does not show symptoms, they will not be tested at this time, Brown said.

Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 should self-isolate for two weeks, according to Brown. Blood donors should then inform the Red Cross about any possible exposure when they give blood, he said.

Q: Are people with well-controlled diabetes still at very high risk for severe COVID-19?

A: “Diabetics are more susceptible to having more severe infections because of a decrease in their immune system’s response,” Brown said.

Even someone whose diabetes is well controlled will not react to stress or illness in the same way as someone who does not suffer from the disease, according to Brown.

Q: My son has henoch schonlein purpura. Does this make COVID-19 more serious for him?

A: Brown could not find any literature on the topic, he said.

Given how many unknowns there are surrounding the virus, he recommended that the reader contact their paediatrician or haematologist.

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Coronavirus-Q-A-Well-controlled-diabetes-and-15186531.php

Patients with diabetes at higher risk; how to stay healthy during the pandemic

From cnycentral.com

Syracuse — Diabetes can cause dramatic swings in blood sugar levels, leading to potentially dangerous medical conditions. Endocrinologist Dr. Jason Sloane said people with elevated blood sugar levels need to be taking the coronavirus seriously.
"People who have blood sugar on average greater than 200 die at a significantly higher rate than everyone else." Dr. Sloane said.

For those with diabetes who have factors like their weight and blood sugar under control their risk of serious complications of the coronavirus is much lower, said diabetes advocate and author of the book Sweet Genes, Finding a Balance Living with Diabetes, Susan Sloane
"It appears their risk is not that much greater than the general population." Susan Sloane said.

If you're worried about your blood sugar, Dr. Sloane said you should always have a plan with your doctor and treatment should start in the kitchen.
"The first thing people can do, and they don't even need their doctor for this, improve their diet. So people with diabetes should limit their carbohydrates to about thirty grams of carbohydrates per meal." Dr. Sloane said.

Along with controlling your diet, Dr. Sloane recommends staying hydrated and checking your blood sugar frequently, and if you see spikes in our blood sugar, that could be an early warning that something is wrong.

https://cnycentral.com/news/coronavirus/patients-with-diabetes-at-higher-risk-how-to-stay-healthy-during-the-pandemic

Doctors describe first drone delivery of diabetes meds to patient

From health24.com

Ireland now has the drone technology and protocols in place to deliver diabetes medications and supplies in an actual disaster if needed.

Imagine needing insulin to live but a natural disaster suddenly cuts off access to your medication.

New drone technology may one day come to the rescue by making urgent deliveries to remote locations, researchers say.

The world's first documented drone delivery of medications to a diabetes patient in a difficult-to-reach community is described in a new paper.
The 16-minute test flight took place last September from Galway, Ireland, to the Aran Islands about 12 miles off Ireland's west coast.

Severe storms have disrupted health care access in Ireland in recent years, and an international team of researchers wanted to find a way to help people with diabetes in remote regions who could be stranded for days after a disaster without access to medications.

A number of challenges

The drone project is outlined in an abstract published in a special supplemental issue of the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
"We now have the drone technology and protocols in place to deliver diabetes medications and supplies in an actual disaster if needed," said principal investigator Derek O'Keeffe. He is a consultant endocrinologist at National University of Ireland, Galway.
"This is a milestone in improving patient care," he added in an Endocrine Society news release.

The international medical team's year-long planning for the test flight required approvals from aviation, pharmaceutical and medical officials.

The large self-flying drone flew "beyond visual line of sight" during commercial flight operations in regulated airspace, O'Keeffe said.
A number of challenges had to be overcome in order to transport the medications in the drone, another researcher noted.

A security lock

"Insulin can be outside the fridge for hours, but it can't be exposed to extreme heat, so we put it in an insulated parcel with temperature monitoring en route," said Dr Spyridoula Maraka, an endocrinologist at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock, who was part of the test.
"We also put a security lock on the parcel in case the drone did not arrive at the right place," she explained in the news release.

To comply with prescription drug regulations, Maraka had a pharmacist dispense the insulin and another diabetes medication, glucagon, before placing them in the drone.
The test flight had another important first: The drone returned with a blood sample collected from the patient for monitoring blood sugar (glucose) control.

Drones could save lives

"We wanted to find a way to monitor glycaemic control remotely," Maraka said. "It was the full circle of care, which has not been done by drone before."

Using drones to monitor patients could save lives, the medical team said.
"A patient with type 1 diabetes could develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis after more than one day without insulin," Maraka said. "A blood specimen would allow us to properly diagnose and treat the condition."

https://www.health24.com/Medical/Diabetes/News/doctors-describe-first-drone-delivery-of-diabetes-meds-to-patient-20200330

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: What You Should Do To Control Your Risk

From ndtv.com

Several factors can put you at a higher risk of diabetes. type-2 diabetes can be prevented with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Here are some prevention steps you can follow to fight diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires constant management. You need to maintain healthy blood sugar levels to avoid complications of diabetes. Several factors can put you at a higher risk of getting diabetes. Type-1 diabetes is a rare type that is difficult to prevent. Family history is one of the major causes of type-1 diabetes. Whereas, type-2 diabetes can be prevented with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Several modifiable factors can contribute to type-2 diabetes including obesity, sedentary lifestyle and much more. Here are some tips you must follow to prevent type-2 diabetes.

Diabetes: How to prevent type-2 diabetes?

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise is essential for physical as well as mental health. It can also help you prevent diabetes. Exercise regulates the insulin sensitivity of the cells. Exercise regularly, you can start with simple exercises.

                                          Exercise regularly to fight the risk of several diseases
                                                                   Photo Credit: iStock

2. Replace beverages with water

Most beverages and drinks you choose throughout the day are loaded with added sugar. Water is the best drink to choose from. Skip sodas or packed juices to avoid too much sugar intake. Drink more water throughout the day. It will also help in detoxification and help you keep various organs healthy.

3. Add more fibre to your diet

Fibre should be an essential part of your diet. It keeps your digestion healthy and also keeps you full for longer. Fibre also helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. It is also beneficial for your heart health and prevents weight gain.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is linked with several health issues including a higher risk of diabetes. According to studies people with a healthy weight are at a lower risk of developing diabetes as compared to those who are obese.

5. Do not ignore symptoms

Early detection helps control the condition effectively. Symptoms of type-2 diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing of wounds, tingling in hands and feet, dark skin patches and increased hunger. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should seek medical help immediately.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/diabetes-prevention-know-what-you-should-do-to-control-your-risk-2205497