Diabetes: Is It Preventable?

YES! TYPE II DIABETES IS PREVENTABLE…

Many studies, performed worldwide, have shown that Type ll Diabetes, mellitus, can be controlled and/or prevented by making the following lifestyle changes:

• Weight Loss
• Decreasing Intake of Total Fat and Saturated Fats
• Increasing Fiber and Daily Physical Exercise

Patients who smoke have strong associations or links to Type ll Diabetes, mellitus, through glucose tolerance dysfunction of insulin and metabolic syndrome.

Both resistance exercise and aerobic training are key in preventing and managing the diabetic patient. Exercise not only decreases cardiac risk factors but also HGBA1C levels. Those patients or individuals that perform hatha yoga can reduce the HGBA1C and fasting blood sugars. (**Hatha Yoga is discussed below.)

Weight management, regular exercise, and proper nutrition, are the cornerstone for integrative diabetic management. In addition, nutritional therapy can modify and decrease HGBA1C from 1 -2% along with modifying glycemic control.

What is meant by glycemic index? Glycemic index is the description used to define the blood sugar spikes that occur within the body after the consumption of certain foods. Wide swings in blood sugar levels lead to wide swings in insulin levels. This causes insulin resistance. 

The following foods are recommended as healthy foods for blood sugar control:

1. Oats
2. Beans
3. Eggplants
4. Chickpeas
5. Walnuts
6. Almonds
7. The Mediterranean Diet
8. Small amounts of alcohol, specifically Red Wine due to Resveratrol.
9. Chia Seeds which are loaded with alpha-linoleic acid. (Alpha-linoleic acid lowers blood sugar along with magnesium. Note: Magnesium is found in Green Leafy Vegetables.)

Hatha Yoga is a practice of body movement/exercise that involves the coordination of breath, body, and mind. Exercise sessions usually are held for 45 to 90 minutes during which deep breathing, yoga postures resulting in extension, stretching, and balance are practiced along with focused meditation.

Dr. Smith would be happy to help you with Diabetic Control. If you have any questions or wish to set up a consultation, give us a call – 321-421-7111.