Diabetes is a growing health problem in both developed and developing countries. "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice" estimates the number of people with diabetes will increase by 42 percent in industrial countries between 1995 and 2025. The alarming rate of growth has caught the attention of both government and private sector groups. Prevention programs and healthy eating meal plans are offered to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention Program
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a randomized clinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of intensive lifestyle changes in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes. Researchers found people who made intensive lifestyle changes, like increasing physical activity and following a healthy diet, reduced the risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Researchers found that lifestyle interventions were effective for people of all ages and ethnic groups. An extension of this research is a partnership between the YMCA and United Health Group. Programs are available through the YMCA at various locations in the U.S. to help people make intensive changes to their lifestyle.
National Diabetes Education Program
This is a federally sponsored diabetes education program to provide education and information about how to stop or slow the onset of diabetes. This program is a collaboration of over 200 public and private organizations who work together to help people who are diagnosed with or who are at risk of developing diabetes. This program provides diabetes prevention information through the Internet, public service announcements, podcasts, articles and fact sheets.
Healthy Foods
Following a healthy diet of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein can help you prevent type 2 diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic.com, steps for prevention include eating more healthy food, becoming more physically active and losing any extra weight. Mayo Clinic.com advises increasing your fiber intake to promote weight loss and improve blood sugar control.
Smart Eating
The American Diabetes Association encourages healthy eating as a proven strategy for preventing diabetes type 2. Enjoying healthy snacks like grapes or pretzels, starting your meal with a fresh salad and eating lean cuts of meat or going vegetarian once or twice weekly can help you cut your risk of developing diabetes.
References
- "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice"; Diabetes --- A Common, Growing, Serious, Costly, and Potentially Preventable Public Health Problem; K.M.Venkat Narayan, et al.; October 2000
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Statements on Diabetes Issues
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Diabetes Prevention Program
- National Diabetes Education Program: Diabetes Resources
- National Diabetes Education Program: About NDEP
- Mayo Clinic.com: Diabetes Prevention: 5 Tips for Taking Control
