How to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes- when the body does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood sugar level, when cells do not respond to insulin appropriately, obesity

> 160 mg./dL- glucose passes into the urine
> 200 mg./dL- kidneys secretes additional water to dilute the large amounts of glucose lost

Polyuria- increase urination/going to the bathroom frequently
Polydipsia- increased thirst
Polyphagia- increased hunger
Other Symptoms- nausea, tired, drowniness, blurred vision, more susceptible to infection, damage of blood vessels, nerves, internal organs, circulation, atherosclerosis, poor healing of wounds, amputations, kidney damage, impaired white blood cell function, heart attack, stroke

Higher Risk- Afro-Americans, Hispanic
Less Common Causes- pregnancy/gestational diabetes, drugs, poisons that interfere with the effects or production of insulin, high levels of corticosteroids

See your Physician- get your blood sugar checked
See Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
See FoodFitnessFirst.com Registered Dietitian - on line for help
Goals- Eat Healthy, maintain a good weight, exercise daily, try to choose better foods as less meats and when choosing meat eat more fish and chicken without the skin broiled, boiled, baked, roasted, stewed, grilled or stir-fried; eat more whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, less fats choosing mostly monounsaturated fats