How to Test for Diabetes

From drugwatch.com

Diabetes testing is a set of bloodwork exams that measures the amount of glucose in the blood, a key indicator if someone has prediabetes, type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Physicians test people who show one or more symptoms, have one or more risk factors or are pregnant.

Who Should Test for Diabetes?

Your medical practitioner may incorporate glucose testing among an array of tests for background health information, such as your annual physical. Your doctor may also check your blood glucose levels if you are someone at a higher risk of developing diabetes. 

Key risk factors include a family history of diabetes, patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome, and those who have medical conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease. Some demographics are also statistically at higher risk, including people more than 45 years of age and African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American populations.

Your physician may recommend glucose testing if you experience symptoms of diabetes, such as:

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Feeling of lethargy
• Loss of feeling or tingling in the hands or feet
• Sores don’t heal quickly
• Dry skin
• An unusual number of infections

Your doctor may also order glucose testing if you suffer from symptoms of low blood sugar. Glucose testing is essential in the management of prediabetes and diabetes after a diagnosis.

For pregnant women, doctors sometimes order glucose testing to check for gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can be harmful to the foetus and mother, and it increases the risk of developing diabetes later.

Type 1, Type 2 and Prediabetes Tests

Various tests can detect if someone has diabetes or prediabetes. The initial diagnosis is essential because what type of diabetes someone has or if they have prediabetes determines what treatment is most appropriate.

Doctors turn to the Diabetes Autoantibody Panel test to determine if a patient may have Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. The presence of antibodies typically indicates Type 1. If the panel detects no antibodies, then you may have Type 2 diabetes.

Before taking a diabetes antibody panel test, you must take a fasting plasma glucose test, a random glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test.

Doctors use the AIC or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test to diagnose diabetes. In some situations, a random plasma glucose (RPG) test can be used for diabetes diagnosis.

Random Blood Sugar Test

A random blood sugar (RBG) test, or casual blood glucose test, measures blood glucose regardless of when you last ate. Medical professionals sometimes use an RPG test to diagnose diabetes in cases where symptoms are present and they do not want to wait until you have fasted. You do not need to fast overnight to take an RPG test.

Doctors order an RBG test if you show signs of diabetes. This blood glucose test is mainly used for monitoring people that already have diabetes. Random blood sugar tests can also be necessary if you experience:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Blurred vision
• Significant recent weight gain
• Fainting spells
• Confusion or changes in speech and behaviour
• Seizures
• Coma or loss of consciousness

A random blood glucose test is usually the first test provided, and it can be performed at any time throughout the day. Results determine the need for more tests.

Random testing is crucial in healthy individuals because their glucose levels do not vary widely throughout the day. When blood glucose levels vary widely, it means there is a problem.

A1C Test

The AIC test — or HbA1c test or haemoglobin AIC test — measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Doctors most commonly use AIC tests to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.

Higher AIC levels are associated with diabetes complications, so attaining and maintaining your individualized AIC goal is essential for those who have diabetes. Sugar in the bloodstream attaches to haemoglobin, and people who have higher blood sugar levels will have more sugar-coated haemoglobin.

People with diabetes should take an AIC test twice a year — more often if they have other medical conditions or their medicine changes. Your doctor will advise you on how often you should have this test.

AIC testing is performed in a lab or a doctor’s office using blood from the arm or finger stick. You do not have to prepare for this test, but you should consult your doctor if additional tests will be performed at the same time and whether you have to prepare for them.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

The fasting blood sugar (FBS) test is a diabetes exam that measures blood glucose levels after you haven’t eaten for about eight hours. FBS is usually the first test carried out to check for diabetes and prediabetes.

If you take the test, you will need to fast (no eating, and no drinking anything except water) eight to 10 hours leading up to the bloodwork.

Apart from testing for diabetes, the fasting blood sugar test is also used to test for the effectiveness of dietary changes or different medications on people diagnosed with diabetes. Your doctor will ask you to refrain from eating and from drinking except water for at least eight hours.

Glucose Tolerance Test

The glucose tolerance test measures how the body moves sugar from blood tissues. Your doctor will ask you to take a specific amount of glucose in liquid form, then draw and test your blood every 30 to 60 minutes. The test may run up to three hours.

This is a fasting test. For the few days leading to your glucose tolerance test, eat and drink normally and then fast (no meals and no liquids other than water) within eight to 10 hours before the blood test.

Ketone Testing

Ketone testing helps monitor people at a higher risk of developing ketones, especially those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The body burns sugar or glucose for energy production, and when the level of glucose is not enough, then your body will burn fat instead, resulting in the production of ketones, which show up in your urine and blood.

People are at risk of developing ketones if they:

• Have a digestive disorder
• Suffer from an eating disorder
• Have a low-carbohydrate diet
• Experience chronic diarrhoea and vomiting
• Take part in strenuous exercise
• Are pregnant

Ketones in the urine are an indication that you are not getting adequate insulin. High levels of ketones indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes that can result in a coma or death.

Gestational Diabetes Tests

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins or occurs during pregnancy. Doctors routinely test for it between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Glucose screening tests are a normal part of pregnancy check-ups.

While presenting with symptoms of gestational diabetes is rare, those that do experience symptoms such as increased thirst may be tested earlier. Doctors may also test patients at earlier visits if they have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes or have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.

Testing is crucial because a pregnant mother should start any treatment immediately to protect her health and her baby’s. Treatment often includes following a prescribed gestational diabetes diet with follow up testing to monitor progress.

Glucose Screening Test

A glucose screening test checks blood glucose levels in pregnant women. It may be a one-step testing or a two-step testing process.

• One-step testing: Fast for eight to 14 hours before the two-hour test. Your doctor will have you drink a liquid containing glucose, then draw your blood two times after every 60 minutes.
• Two-step testing: Fast for eight to 14 hours ahead of time. Drink a glucose-containing liquid, then the doctor will draw your blood no more than one hour later. If results from your initial test show high levels of blood glucose, you will have to undergo a three-hour glucose tolerance test.

Diabetes Prevention

Diabetes is one of the leading chronic diseases that affect the population today. Physicians are stepping up screenings with the hope of preventing future cases and sharing critical information about how to prevent diabetes with the public.

Working closely with your doctor, you may be able to prevent Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes statistics indicate that with the guidance of medical professionals like registered dietitians, a diabetes diet and safely developed exercise plan can be beneficial.

Early detection of prediabetes can help people begin a plan to reverse the condition and potentially avoid future diabetic complications. It also limits the risks of developing heart disease or stroke.

https://www.drugwatch.com/health/diabetes/test/ 

How Does Sleep Apnoea Affect Diabetes?

From healthline.com

The impact of sleep apnoea goes far beyond leaving you feeling tired in the morning. For people with diabetes, sleep apnoea can influence your glucose levels at all times of day, change how your body responds to insulin, and play a part in diabetes complications later in life.

In the general population, an estimated 6 to 17 percentTrusted Source of adults experience some form of sleep apnoea. But among those with diabetes, that number is dramatically higher with more than halfTrusted Source of people with type 2 diabetes experiencing obstructive sleep apnoea. Research shows it’s also quite high in those who live with type 1 diabetes.

Read on to learn more about the relationship between diabetes and sleep apnoea, how it can impact your diabetes management and what you can do to address this breathing disorder that impacts sleep.

What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea happens when a person stops breathing while they are sleeping.

Unlike disrupted sleep, which can be caused by poor sleep hygiene or various physical or mental conditions, sleep apnoea is a breathing disorder.

Signs of sleep apnoea include the following:

• loud snoring
• gaps in breathing
• choking or gasping for air
• falling asleep during the day

Sleep apnoea leaves the body deprived of oxygen which, in turn disrupts how the heart functions, blood pressure, and metabolism. These effects can be severe and make it crucial for people with diabetes to understand and treat sleep apnoea when it occurs.

Of the three types of sleep apnoea (central, obstructive, and complex), obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is most common. With OSA the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, blocking the airway and interrupting the person’s breathing. OSA is associated with obesity but also happens in those who are not obese.

Why is sleep apnoea more common in type 2 diabetes?

A symbiotic relationship has been observed between sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes. One seems to worsen the other, when left unaddressed.

Sleep apnoea deprives the body of oxygen, which has a direct negative effect on glucose levels and insulin resistance. Its effect can be dramatic, promoting insulin resistance and changing glucose metabolism to the extent that OSA is associatedTrusted Source with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is a recognized comorbidity of type 2 diabetes, and that comorbidity increases the likelihood or developing OSA. Fat deposits in the neck can impinge on the airway and abdominal fat can compress the chest wall—both constricting breathing while lying down or sleeping.

Does sleep apnoea impact blood sugar?

Yes, it does.

When the body is deprived of oxygen the amount of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream increases. In this state insulin resistance increases leading to higher levels of glucose in the blood. Over time these persistently higher glucose levels lead to a higher A1CTrusted Source.

Beyond its effect on glucose levels, sleep apnoea and other disruptions to sleep can negatively affect the progression of diabetes and the development of complications. The oxygen deprivation associated with poor quality sleep raises blood pressure and aggravates heart function. It’s associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

How to manage sleep apnoea with diabetes?

Following the standard practices of effective diabetes management — keeping glucose levels in range, healthy food choices, exercising regularly, and taking medications as prescribed) — is a good starting point for managing sleep apnoea. However, there is more that can be done.

• Begin with addressing any sinus or allergy issues that interfere with breathing clearly. This might include taking medication to keep the sinuses open and uncongested.
• Being overweight or obese is another condition to address in treating sleep apnoea. By reducing weight there is less pressure on the chest cavity and less likelihood of fat in the airway passage. Addressing both of these decreases the likelihood of unobstructed breathing while sleeping.
• A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can be prescribed, before or after an overnight sleep study is completed. The person wears a mask while sleeping. Attached to that mask is a hose and a device that delivers pressurised air. The pressurized air keeps the airway open, stopping disruptions to the person’s breathing.
• Surgery is also an option. These surgeries involve removing or shrinking the tissue at the back of the back of the mouth or top of the neck. By removing this soft tissue there is less likelihood that the airway will be obstructed while sleeping.

Using fitness trackers for monitoring sleep quality

A medical diagnosis of sleep apnoea requires a formal sleep study where the person sleeps with sensors attached to their body and is monitored through the night.

But with the availability of fitness trackers and mobile apps, it’s become more common for people to track and record the quality of their sleep. This can be especially helpful when sleep apnoea is suspected.

Importantly, a sleep or fitness tracker does not replace a medical professional’s diagnosis of sleep apnoea. But it can help identify sleeping patterns to discuss with a medical professional.

Fitness trackers use a combination of sensors that measure body movement (restlessness), heart rate, and breathing rate to track sleep quality. These readings are then analysed and reported in their app.

What the app reports varies by device, but can include things like:

• How long it took to fall asleep
• How long the person remained asleep
• How many times the person woke up through the night
• How long they stayed awake before going back to sleep
• How long the person stayed in various stages of sleep (light, deep, and REM)

These individual readings are often combined into a composite score that reflects the overall quality of sleep (poor, fair, good, excellent).

The apps often also include information on how to improve overall sleep. This can include advice on improving sleep hygiene and notifications to reinforce a standard bedtime and daily routine for winding down.

Among the most popular fitness trackers, Fitbit, Apple Watch, Amazon Halo, and Oura Ring all offer some ability to track sleep. They all report on the amount of time the person is sleeping and the overall quality of that sleep.

Takeaway 

Because of the negative effects sleep apnoea can have on glucose levels it’s particularly important for people with diabetes to pay attention to the quality of their sleep. Left unaddressed, what seems like inconsequential snores in the night can lead to elevated A1Cs, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

Thankfully, we do have tools and treatments to identify and then address sleep apnoea—ultimately avoiding the most serious complications.

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/sleep-apnea-and-diabetes

Can zinc help with the management of type 2 diabetes?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Zinc is an important nutrient that can help the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Some evidence suggests that zinc may be beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes. Other research notes a potential link between zinc deficiency and diabetes. However, more research is necessary.

Trusted SourceType 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting more than 37 million Americans. It occurs when a person does not respond typically to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.

Zinc is a nutrient that occurs naturally in many foods, such as beans, meat, and fish. People can also take it as a dietary supplement. It helps support a number of functions in the body, most notably helping the immune system, as it possesses antioxidant properties. While zinc deficiencies are rare in the United States, they may occur if a person’s diet lacks adequate nutrition.

Due to the possible health benefits of zinc, some evidence notes it might have a protective effect against diabetes and may improve the prognosis for those living with this condition.

In this article, we discuss the potential connection between diabetes and zinc, including whether zinc can help manage type 2 diabetes.

Is zinc beneficial for type 2 diabetes?

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More research is necessary to understand the association between zinc and type 2 diabetes. Some evidence notes that there may be a link between zinc deficiencies and the development of diabetes. Research also suggests zinc supplementation helps reduce risk factors for developing diabetes and assists with managing the condition.

A 2020 studyTrusted Source found that people with diabetes are more likely to have a zinc deficiency than those without the condition. The researchers also suggest that individuals with glycaemic control issues also led to lower zinc levels. Similarly, a 2021 study also states that low zinc levels are a good indicator of issues with glycaemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

As such, this may suggest that zinc supplementation may help with the management of diabetes as an adjunct therapy. A 2022 study indicates that zinc may help due to its antioxidant properties. Relatedly, a 2019 meta-analysisTrusted Source found that zinc supplementation may improve glycaemic control, leading the authors to conclude that zinc supplementation could prevent and help manage diabetes.

Another 2019 meta-analysis also suggests that a moderately high dietary zinc intake could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 13%Trusted Source. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that low dose, long-duration zinc intake from supplements and food may reduce risk factors for the condition.

Therefore, zinc could benefit the management of diabetes. However, lower zinc levels may coincide with non-nutritious eating habits that may contribute to the development of the condition. As such, more research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between diabetes and zinc.

Sources of zinc

While zinc is present in many foods, some research estimates that roughly 17%Trusted Source of people worldwide have a zinc deficiency. Generally, most individuals can consume an adequate amount of zinc from dietary sources. Such foods can includeTrusted Source:

• red meat
• poultry
• seafood, such as oysters, crab, and lobster
• fortified breakfast cereals
• beans
• nuts
• whole grains
• dairy products

Zinc is also available in supplements that people can have in addition to dietary sources to ensure a sufficient intake of the nutrient. However, before taking supplements, it may be advisable to seek a doctor’s advice.

Risks and considerations

It is important for individuals to get an accurate impression of their dietary zinc needs. Although zinc is a very important dietary element, consuming too much can result in zinc toxicity, which can cause problems. A 2022 paperTrusted Source lists the following as possible side effects of excessive zinc intake:

• gastric irritation
• vomiting
• nausea
• gastric haemorrhage

Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that a regular excessive intake of 150-450 milligramsTrusted Source a day of zinc may lead to:

• low copper levels
• changes in iron function
• reduced immune function
• reduced levels of “good,” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• urogenital problems

Other zinc benefits

In addition to its potential beneficial effects on diabetes, evidence notes that zinc may possess many other health benefits.

Evidence notes that the body uses zinc for many different purposes, includingTrusted Source wound healing, cell growth, and cell division. Sufficient zinc levels are necessary for a properly functioning immune system and could helpTrusted Source prevent severe complications from diseases, such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhoea. Additionally, it is also essential for growth and development.

Other diabetes management tips

In some cases, it is possible for an individual to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by implementing certain lifestyle changes. This can include regular exercise and maintaining a moderate weight.

Similarly, a 2020 studyTrusted Source notes that incorporating healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage type 2 diabetes or potentially put it into remission. In addition to managing weight and regular physical activity, it recommends eating a nutritious diet, stopping smoking if applicable, and managing stress.

In some cases, a person may also require medicationsTrusted Source to help them manage the condition. A doctor could recommend suitable medications to help individuals control their blood sugars and delay or prevent the harmful effects of diabetes.

Summary

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that can significantly affect an individual’s health. Some research suggests that adequate zinc levels could help prevent the development of diabetes and make the condition easier to manage. However, more research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between zinc and diabetes.

While further research is still necessary, evidence notes that incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, which can include a nutritious diet with sufficient zinc, may help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and assist in managing blood sugars.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/zinc-and-diabetes-type-2

What to Know About the Connection Between Diabetes, Depression, and Kidney Disease

From healthline.com

Diabetes, depression, and kidney disease are distinctly separate conditions, but they have a connection. They often occur together.

It’s important to remember that depression is a treatable medical condition, just like diabetes and kidney disease.

Diabetes can make depression worse, and vice versa. They can both contribute to the onset of kidney disease.

Black and Latinx communities have a higher chance of developing kidney disease, as well as higher rates of diabetes and depression. One reason for this may be inequities in healthcare.

If you have diabetes and depression, understanding their connection to kidney disease can help you take steps to protect yourself. 

An overview of diabetes and depression

Diabetes and depression sometimes occur together. The challenge of living with diabetes can contribute to mental health issues, which can make managing your diabetes feel too overwhelming.

There’s also a link between depression and diabetes-related blood vessel changes in the brain, according to researchTrusted Source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that people living with diabetes are two to three times more likelyTrusted Source to experience depression than those without.

Not everyone gets diagnosed, but those who participate in treatment for depression often experience benefits.

Depression symptoms include:

• loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• persistent sadness or emptiness
• recurring fatigue
• appetite changes
• sleep disruption
• physical signs, like bowel changes, headaches, and feeling achy
• trouble concentrating
• mood changes
• thoughts of death or suicide

Seek medical help immediately if you’re considering acting on suicidal thoughts. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800-273-8255. (See below for more contacts if you are not in the USA.)

But depression treatment involving medication and therapy is often successful.

The link between diabetes and kidney disease

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the chance of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Around 1 in 3Trusted Source adults who live with diabetes also have CKD.

Diabetes causes several issues that can lead to CKD:

• high blood sugar
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

It begins with persistently high blood sugar, which can stiffen and damage your blood vessel walls. This increases blood pressure.

High blood sugar can also cause changes to your cholesterol levels, making your good cholesterol too low, and your bad cholesterol too high.

If your blood sugar, pressure, and cholesterol are all too high, this can interfere with the blood vessels that supply your kidneys. This can cause CKD.

While diabetes is a known contributor to kidney problems, adding depression to the equation increases your chance of developing CKD.

A 2016 studyTrusted Source of U.S. veterans with diabetes found that those who lived with co-occurring depression had a 20 percent higher chance of developing chronic kidney disease. Depression in the study participants also increased their chance of all causes of death.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source examined the effect of depression on existing kidney disease. It followed 486 people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, grouped according to their level of depression. The study found that depression increased the chance of progression to end stage renal disease by 12.4 percent for mild depression, and 45.1 percent for severe.

Tips for managing depression when you have diabetes

Even though diabetes makes life more challenging, there are still strategies you can try to manage depression.

Depression treatment

Therapy and medication bring relief to many people living with depression. You can try one or the other, or both.

Therapy teaches you skills to manage unhelpful thought patterns. Medication can increase your energy and mood enough so that practicing self-care is easier.

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle changes, including creating healthy routines, can positively impact your mental health. Eating nutritious food as often as you can and getting regular exercise are two examples.

A consistent sleep schedule can also help, plus stress-reducing activities like mindfulness exercises or a new hobby.

Personal connections

Family, close friends, and healthcare professionals are examples of people you can talk to about how you’ve been feeling. Starting these conversations can bring you beneficial support.

Tips for reducing your chance of kidney disease

Kidney disease usually takes time to develop, and it’s often preventable.

Comprehensive treatment

Partnering with your healthcare professional to treat both diabetes and depression can protect your kidney health.

You may have a diabetes and kidney care plan in place. However, depression may interfere, unless your doctor knows you need mental health support too.

Education

It’s helpful to learn everything you can about CKD and how to prevent it. Some important strategies include:

• quit smoking
• follow your diabetes nutrition plan
• avoid excess salt
• exercise
• maintain a moderate weight

It benefits your health to follow as many kidney-care recommendations as you can. Even if it feels overwhelming, making one change at a time can still help.

Screening

Even if you develop CKD, you can still live a long life. Not everyone who is diagnosed ends up in kidney failure, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD).

Kidney disease usually has no symptoms early on. Many people aren’t aware they have it until they need dialysis.

Routine screening allows you to prevent ESRD by catching kidney disease early enough to slow or stop its progression. Healthcare professionals use blood and urine testing to screen for CKD.

The takeaway

Depression and diabetes can impact each other. They both contribute to chronic kidney disease.

African American and Latinx people can experience healthcare inequities that may contribute to a higher chance of diabetes, depression, and kidney disease.

All three conditions are treatable. Treatment for even one condition can improve the others.

For example, depression treatment can give you the energy and motivation to stick to your diabetes care plan. This can slow down or even stop the progression of your CKD.

You don’t have to face any of this alone. A healthcare professional can work with you to create a treatment plan for all three conditions.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call 911 or your local emergency services number.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with them and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/connection-diabetes-depression-kidney-disease

Ask the Doctors: Eating better, moving more help reduce Type 2 diabetes risk

From chicago.suntimes.com

Lifestyle changes — reaching a healthy weight and adopting a healthful and balanced diet — are important moves toward reducing your risk of developing the disease

Dear Doctors: Does Type 2 diabetes run in the family? My dad and sister both have it. I’m worried I’m next. We are a meat-and-potatoes family, and I’ve got a sweet tooth. I want to lose weight and eat healthier. Would a more plant-based diet help? What else can I do?

Dear Reader: Yes, Type 2 diabetes can run in families.

It’s a disease in which the body loses the ability to keep levels of blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, within a healthy range.

Too much glucose in the blood for extended periods leads to a range of serious health problems. Untreated, Type 2 diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys and nerves, cause vision problems and increase the risk of stroke.

The reason it can run in families is partly due to genetic makeup, which can give you a predisposition to the disease. Researchers have linked several genetic mutations to Type 2 diabetes.

Environmental factors also play an important role. Obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, low or high birth weight and stress all can contribute to developing the disease. But they don’t affect all people the same way. When these risk factors are present, people with a family history of Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop the disease than those with no familial link.

The lifestyle changes that you are considering — reaching a healthy weight and adopting a healthful and balanced diet — would be important moves toward reducing your risk.

Adding regular daily exercise, which helps the body to manage blood glucose levels, would also improve your chances of avoiding the disease. And a strong body of research shows that a plant-forward diet is associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.

A recent study at Harvard University examined a vast body of data from 10,000 people who participated in a trio of decades-long health surveys. The participants were sorted into groups based on diet, and blood plasma samples and long-term health outcomes were analysed. The researchers found a strong correlation between a healthful diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts and legumes and a decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Study participants with less-healthful diets — high in refined grains, sugary beverages, fruit juices, potatoes and sweets and desserts — had a measurably higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes.

They also were more likely to be overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and use medications to control those conditions.

Dr. Eve Glazier and Dr. Elizabeth Ko are internists at UCLA Health.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/6/2/23151171/diabetes-diet-nutrition-eating-better-wellness-exercise