SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diabetes has become an American epidemic, threatening far too many adults and children with serious potential health risks. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 81 million people have pre-, type 1, or type 2 diabetes. If left undetected or unchecked, the health consequences can include stroke, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, arthritis, and loss of feet or legs.
Diabetes occurs when your body is unable to convert blood glucose into the kind of sugar our cells need for energy. When the body cannot process the blood glucose, sugar levels build up in the body, yet the cells are starved of energy. This high blood glucose, which is also called hyperglycemia, can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to severe health complications.
Symptoms of diabetes can include: excessive thirst and hunger, tiredness, blurry vision, frequent urination, tingling or pain in the feet, or body sores that will not heal. If you have any of these symptoms, you should discuss them with your doctor. A simple blood test can detect diabetes, and early diagnosis and changes in life habits can prevent the onset of more serious problems.
Tips for Preventing Diabetes
Simply put, poor living habits are one of the biggest factors increasing diabetes in America. The risks for diabetes increase dramatically for those who are overweight or obese, have poor eating habits, and avoid exercise. Those who have a family history of diabetes are also at risk.
"Diabetes is a deadly disease, but we can prevent or control it through better awareness and changes in our lifestyles," says Douglas Metz, DC, chief health services officer of Healthyroads the wellness subsidiary of leading personal health improvement company American Specialty Health (ASH). "Healthyroads wants all Americans to improve their health and lower the nation's escalating rates of diabetes."
To raise awareness during November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month, and to help Americans prevent diabetes, Healthyroads offers the following tips:
1. Get active and stay active. Follow these tips to help you get
on the road to a more active and fit life:
- Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. For
example, go for a 20-minute walk at lunch time, take the
stairs at work, or walk to the post office or other nearby
destinations instead of driving.
- Discover new, active hobbies. Take a dance class, a yoga
class, or golf lessons. Active hobbies are fun ways to stay
fit and meet new friends.
- Join a gym or the local YMCA. You'll have access to
cardiovascular and weight training equipment, and can talk
with trainers who can help you learn how to properly use the
equipment. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in
classes focused on cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and
flexibility. Best of all, you can meet fitness-minded friends
who can help inspire you to exercise regularly.
2. Choose healthy foods. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the
best ways to avoid diabetes, so consider these tips:
- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed
foods. Make sure your grocery basket has more fresh items -
like apples, nuts, and broccoli - than packaged, processed
foods like cereal.
- Choose leafy, green vegetables like spinach or kale over
white, starchy vegetables, like potatoes.
- Compare ingredients in packaged foods and pick lower-calorie,
lower-fat items. Look for reduced salt items and zero trans
fats.
- Avoid sugar-laden soft drinks, as well as processed juices.
Researchers are finding that the juice drinks once touted to
be healthy, like orange and grape juice, pack just as many or
more calories than soft drinks. According to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Laboratory, grape
juice has 152 calories and 36 grams of sugar per eight ounce
serving, and pineapple juice has 132 calories and 25 grams of
sugar. This compares to approximately 100 calories and 28
grams of sugar found in most cola drinks. Instead of soft
drinks and juices, drink more water. Your body needs at least
7-8 glasses of water a day.
- Substitute fish and chicken for red meat, and reduce all meat
portions to half the size of your vegetable portions.
3. Get regular checkups. The American Diabetes Association
recommends that people aged 45 or older get tested for pre-
diabetes or diabetes. Those who are younger than 45 but are
overweight, obese, or have one or more additional risk factors
for diabetes should also get tested. The ADA also recommends
that testing be repeated at least every three years, especially
for those with risk factors for diabetes. Your doctor may
recommend more frequent testing, depending on initial test
results, your age, your health, and other risk factors.
4. Get your children tested. If current trends continue, one out
of every three children could face a future with diabetes. If
your child or teen is overweight or obese, is inactive, or has
poor dietary habits, ask your pediatrician whether or not he
recommends a diabetes test for your child. The earlier you are
able to detect pre-diabetes, the better chance your child has
of avoiding a lifetime of diabetes and its health consequences.
About Healthyroads and American Specialty Health
Healthyroads, Inc. is the prevention and wellness services subsidiary of American Specialty Health (ASH). Healthyroads offers a wide range of wellness solutions, including award-winning telephone-based coaching programs for weight management, tobacco cessation, and healthy living, and products and resources through its integrated Web site, Healthyroads.com.
ASH provides population health management programs including prevention and wellness, fitness and exercise, and specialty network management services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has more than 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members.
For more information about Healthyroads and other ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.
CONTACT: Healthyroads, Inc.
Debby Clark
619.557.3120
debbyc@ashn.com
Jeff Keller
800.848.3555, ext. 3753
jeffk@ashn.com
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