The short answer is yes. We’re all at risk of developing diabetes—and the number of cases among Americans is rising.

In fact, some 34.2 million Americans were living with diabetes in 2018, according to the American Diabetes Association.

So, what can you do to decrease your risk of developing diabetes? Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham shares some insight.

What Is Prediabetes?

Have you been told by a doctor that you have prediabetes? If so, you aren’t alone. Around 88 million Americans have prediabetes, which means you have elevated blood sugar that does not rise to the level for a diabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes in and of itself is not a medical condition. Consider it a wakeup call to make changes to your lifestyle habits that can help lower your blood sugar and limit your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Being overweight or obese
• Being inactive
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Having had gestational diabetes
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having high blood pressure
• Having high cholesterol

How Can I Lower My Risk of Getting Diabetes?

Your first step is knowing your individual risk factors. Take a look at the list of risk factors and analyze which ones you have. Now, get to work on changing those factors!

While you cannot change your family medical history, you can take action to mitigate the other risk factors. Healthy lifestyle habits can help in most cases, and if you have other medical conditions that are risk factors, work with your doctor to properly manage the conditions.

Healthy Lifestyle Basics

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days.
• Get a blend of exercise, including cardio and strength training.
• Eat a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables as the foundation.
• Limit your intake of added sugars.
• Don’t smoke.
• Get enough quality sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours per night.
• Find healthy ways to manage stress.

Feeling less than your best? Schedule an AFC TeleCare appointment at AFC Urgent Care Cheltenham to get the care you need from the comfort of home.