It’s National Diabetes Day, and with over 37 million people in the US diagnosed there is a lot to discuss. Ways to prevent a diabetes diagnosis is the start, and check in with us next week for a blog on how to live healthier with diabetes!

Here are some ways to prevent a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis:

1.     Exercise consistently. Keeping your body active and adding exercise into your routine is a vital step in preventing diabetes. Go for regular walks, bike a scenic route, or do an online class! Get that body movin’!

2.     Reduce your total carb intake. Make sure your carb intake is balanced with healthy fats and protein. Having a balanced and healthy diet will help in keeping diabetes at bay.

3.     Drink lots of water daily. 64 oz a day, folks! You can do this! Get a waterbottle you like—one that if your favorite color or decorate it to personalize it to your style. Then drink drink drink! Make goals for yourself. For example, tell yourself you can have your first cup of coffee after you’ve had at least 8 oz of water first.

4.     Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, you hear this all the time. And here it is again today! Smoking is harmful to your body in countless ways, and keeping nicotine and tobacco in your life will only welcome in more harmful and life-threatening diagnoses later on.

5.     Follow a high fiber diet. Fiber may not be your top priority, but make that change! Starting your day with a high fiber cereal or oatmeal, or having a fiber-dense lunch will help keep your body regular and help your body rid itself of harmful toxins.

Start with one of these and see how you feel! Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking all these need to be done right now, but taking steps to prevent diabetes will only help you in the end.

Check back in next week for our Living Well With Diabetes post!