The 1-2-3 of Diabetes

Exercise, Lose Weight & Eat Healthy Diet

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

WASHINGTON - Nearly one in five American Indians and Alaska Natives suffer from type 2 diabetes.

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American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the United States. Once exclusively a disease of adults, type 2 diabetes is increasingly common among American Indian and Alaska Native youth, threatening the health, well-being, and quality of life of future generations. Diabetes prevention efforts are an urgent priority, as well as diabetes management to prevent complications.

In the general population, diabetes is all too common, affecting 26 million people in the United States. The older you get the higher your risk is for being diagnosed with diabetes. But doing the right things can help you lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Nilka Rios Burrows is a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

“Number One, exercise regularly.
Two, lose weight. And
Three, eat a healthy diet”

Those older than 45 and those with risk factors for type 2 diabetes should be tested every three years. Those with diabetes can take steps, too:

"Seeing a doctor regularly. Controlling your blood sugar, your blood pressure and your cholesterol. And getting dilated eye exams, foot exams and flu shots annually. So talk to your doctor about how you can manage and take control of your diabetes"

Nilka Rios Burrows continued.

posted January 30, 2012 6:00 am est