As Diabetes Alert Day Approaches, Learn How Lifestyle Changes Can Help Lower the Risk of This Disease

Tuesday is Diabetes Alert Day, and the Hillsborough Family YMCA wants residents of Hillsborough to be aware of their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and preventative steps they can take today to reduce that risk.  

Currently, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and one in three (79 million) people have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing issue that can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.

“Lifestyle changes can help prevent developing type 2 diabetes but the key is to recognize the risk and determine what needs to be done,” said Valerie Giacopelli, Executive Director of the Hillsborough Family YMCA. “You don’t have to make the changes alone – the Hillsborough Family YMCA can help through a variety of classes and programs that promote healthy living.” 

As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening community through healthy living, the Hillsborough Family YMCA is urging residents of Hillsborough to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by visiting YMCA.net/diabetes.

Individuals can learn how background and lifestyle choices help determine the
ultimate risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Several factors that
could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age,
weight and activity level, among others.

Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:

• eat fruits and vegetables every day;
• choose fish, lean meats, and poultry
  without skin;
• aim for whole grains with every meal;
• be moderately active at least 30 minutes
  per day five days a week;
• choose water to drink instead of beverages
  with added sugar; and
• speak to your doctor about your diabetes
  risk factors, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are
  overweight.  

To learn more about the Hillsborough Family YMCA’s HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS, please contact Johnathan White  at 908-369-0490 or
jwhite@ymcasomersetvalley.org.