SHAPING UP: Help preventing future generations from suffering from type 2 diabetes

The campaign is being backed by all major health organisations to draw attention to the issues especially attributed to diabetes and to keep the disease firmly in the public spotlight.

I feel it’s important for everyone in the North East to get involved and promote prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and help prevent future generations of local people suffering from the disease.Figures from Public Health England (PHE) showed that 185,532 people in the region now have diabetes and health chiefs warned that one in 10 people in the North East will have diabetes by 2035.Obesity is the most potent risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes and is the biggest cause for the spread of the condition.It’s only through a shared effort and responsibility that we can get the numbers to fall.

The six tips below are the best ways to treat and prevent Type 2 Diabetes and all the health complications associated with it:

Cut Sugar & Refined Carbs from Your Diet

Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Avoiding foods like sweets, biscuits, chocolate, cakes, sweetened yoghurts, white bread, white rice, pasta and white potatoes may help reduce your risk.

Workout Regularly

Performing physical activity on a regular basis can increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may help prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Drink More Water

Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

Lose Weight If You’re Overweight or Obese

Carrying excess weight, particularly in the abdominal area, increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

Eat Sensible Portion Sizes

Avoiding large portion sizes can help reduce insulin and blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes.

Avoid Sedentary Behaviours

Avoiding sedentary behaviours like excessive sitting has been shown to reduce your risk of getting diabetes. If you have a desk job, make sure you do some exercise before or after work. Don’t go home and sit on the sofa all night.