(Before It's News)
There’s a new epidemic in this country, and it’s one that many people can prevent by making simple lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, once thought of as a disease of older adults, now strikes people in early adulthood – and even childhood. Why is this a problem? Type 2 diabetes damages every organ in your body over time and can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and premature death. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to lower your risk for developing this common condition. Here are five positive lifestyle changes you can make to ward off type 2 diabetes.
Shed the Extra Pounds
Carrying around excess body fat, especially around the waist and abdominal region is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In fact, experts say the increase in cases of type 2 diabetes parallels the rise in obesity. Excess body weight increases the risk for metabolic syndrome, a condition that’s a precursor to type 2 diabetes – but losing weight can help. Shedding extra body fat helps insulin function more efficiently so your risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes is lower. Losing weight if you’re overweight is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and other health conditions as well.