Living with type 2 diabetes poses all kinds of challenges and increases the risk of experiencing life-threatening complications. Fortunately, the condition is largely preventable, especially if you are committed to leading a healthy lifestyle. Below, the compassionate team at Carolina Doctors Med Care in Sanford, NC, shares a few tips for preventing type 2 diabetes.

3 Tips for Preventing Diabetes

1. Be Aware of What You’re Consuming 

If you are trying to lose weight, counting calories can help. But if you want to avoid diabetes, you should also track what’s in the food you’re consuming. For example, eating a lot of foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, or trans fat can increase the risk of diabetes. Since sugar and fat can lurk in surprising places, like salad dressing and other condiments, it is worth reading the nutrition label on everything you eat for a few weeks until you get a good handle on what you should avoid.

2. Eliminate Stress

You may not be able to eliminate the situations in your life that are causing the most stress, but you can change your reactions to them. Reducing stress has a number of health benefits, and a reduced risk of diabetes is one of them. The body releases certain hormones that increase blood sugar when it is under significant stress, but you can avoid these glucose spikes by staying relaxed.

3. See Your Doctor Regularly

The earliest signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not necessarily dramatic or even noticeable. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, approximately one-third of adults who have diabetes do not even know it. Since untreated diabetes can have serious complications, you should make it a point to see your doctor annually for blood work.

If you are due for a physical or think you might have type 2 diabetes, turn to Carolina Doctors Med Care for a full blood panel. Located in Sanford, NC, this practice is proud to help patients lead their best life. Visit their website to learn more about the quality health care services they provide, including sports physicals and weight loss programs. You can make an appointment by calling (919) 774-3680.