Diabetes is a major global health problem, with more than 422 million people currently living with the condition, of which 37 million are from the U.S. There are various types of diabetes, but type 2 is the most common, affecting nearly 90 percent of all individuals living with diabetes in the U.S.
Diabetes is generally caused by the body's inability to control blood sugar levels properly due to numerous factors and can lead to serious health complications including blindness, heart disease and even death.
Fortunately, there are many effective natural strategies you can use to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes.
Read on to learn more about these natural remedies, in addition to healthsharing solutions, an affordable alternative to health insurance.
Shift from a sedentary lifestyle to a more physically active one
Existing data suggest that type 2 diabetes is caused by numerous factors, among which physical inactivity features prominently. Without adequate physical activity, a lot of glucose remains unspent in the body, increasing the need for insulin to regulate it, and left unchecked, it can strain the body's ability to produce insulin, which may develop further as type 2 diabetes.
Regular physical activity helps to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation and cut the risk of other chronic diseases. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and in some cases reduce dependence on medication for individuals already diagnosed with the condition.
Despite what you may think, a physically active lifestyle is as simple as opting to walk to your nearby grocery store instead of driving. It can also be as easy as opting to take an aerobics class or playing at your local soccer club rather than lounging and catching up on the latest TV show.
However, for best results, it's recommended to use different exercise modalities and preferably make it a habit rather than a one-off affair.
Manage your blood sugar levels within a healthy range
One of the most important things you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes is to manage your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. If your blood sugar is consistently high, your body will need more and more insulin to keep it in check, which ultimately can transform into extreme insulin dependence.
There are a few ways you can manage your blood sugar levels. One way is to eat foods that contain fewer carbohydrates, more protein, vitamins and fiber. These foods will help to keep your blood sugar level stable.
Another equally important measure is to actively reduce your sugar consumption. This can be as easy as opting for plain water instead of soda, avoiding snacks with lots of sugar or gradually reducing sugar consumption if cold turkey seems an unviable option.
If you are struggling to reduce your sugar intake, talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about available strategies that may be manageable for you and still yield maximum results.
With the constant sharp increase in healthcare costs, regular visits to the doctor may seem untenable. To keep your costs down, but still get the necessary help you need, consider using our healthshare solution.
Reduce or stop smoking
Smoking causes many health problems, including type 2 diabetes. Smoking also increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer and other cancers.
Quitting smoking can improve your blood sugar control and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce your risk of other diseases related to obesity, such as high blood pressure and stroke.
If you are trying to quit smoking, there are several things you can do to help make the process easier. You can talk to a friend or family member about how they stopped smoking and what helped them. You can also find resources online or at your local library.
Adopt a healthier diet
A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It should also be low in sugar and saturated fats.
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. It not only helps to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, but it also can help to reverse it if it has already developed.
Avoid or limit your alcohol consumption
While moderate amounts of alcohol can be beneficial to the body, it can be diabetogenic (type 2 diabetes causing) when consumed excessively.
Alcohol also increases the risk of developing other types of diabetes, such as gestational diabetes. If you are pregnant, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking alcohol and to avoid drinking if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
If you do drink alcohol, make sure to drink in moderation and avoid binge drinking.
Work with a qualified dietician or nutritionist
For three reasons, given the rapid pace of everyday life, it can seem challenging to adopt a healthy lifestyle:
- Lack of awareness of available healthy diet options
- It may seem expensive
- Lack of time to adequately plan for and stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle
A dietician can help you create a personalized diet plan that will help you to lose weight and improve your blood sugar control. They can also provide you with nutritional advice to help you avoid the foods that trigger your diabetes. Nutritionists can also help advise on more affordable diet options if cost is an impediment.
Joining Liberty HealthShare Can Help
Simple natural remedies and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and even reverse the condition even when it's in advanced stages. There are other similarly helpful tips, but you'll have to consult with your doctor for the best advice since everyone's condition is different.
But joining a Christian healthsharing ministry such as Liberty HealthShare can help get you on the road to a healthier you. You’ll be amongst a group of like-minded people, who share your desire for good health.
And you’ll worry less about the high cost of medical care because of the availability of affordable healthsharing programs we can provide. Plus, you’ll get a good feeling when you’re helping other members of your community. Contact us to learn more about our healthshare solutions.
