Currently, 1 in 10 Americans has Type 2 diabetes, but the rate could surge to as high as 1 in 3 Americans by 2050 if present trends continue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes affects how the body uses sugar (glucose) for fuel. Type 2 diabetes results when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream, which can lead to serious medical consequences, such as kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and vascular disease. Although people with diabetes are living longer, more people are getting diabetes because of the growing obesity epidemic.  

 

The Centers for Disease Control National Diabetes Prevention Program indicates that taking the following measures can help reduce the development of diabetes by about 60%:

• Body weight reductions of 5% to 7%
• Dietary changes
• Building up to 150 minutes of physical activity per week
• Developing coping and behavioral strategies to prevent backslide

 

Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to find out if you have Type 2 diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, follow your doctor's advice for managing the condition. For some people, Type 2 diabetes may be reversible by taking an active role to lose weight, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and follow dietary recommendations.