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Breaking The Chain: Diabetes and Family

Diabetes and family

If you’re worried that your family might get diabetes because you have it, it’s a valid concern.

Genetics do play a role, but so does what we eat1. Families usually eat the same meals, they might consume a high glycemic index diet, other members could be at risk.
But the good news is that your loved ones can prevent this:
Let’s dive deep into genetics and diabetes prevention2.

How can lifestyle changes help in diabetes prevention?

Lifestyle changes such as losing excess weight, getting regular exercise, reducing stress levels, and making healthy diet choices can help in diabetes prevention. Excess weight and obesity are linked to a higher risk of developing diabetes, so losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk. Regular exercise can also help in maintaining a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetes. Chronic stress can impact blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes, so reducing stress levels through meditation, journaling, or seeking help from family and loved ones can also help. Making healthy diet choices and quitting smoking can also help in diabetes prevention.

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Watch Dr. Debasis Basu talk about Diabetes and family

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What can families do to prevent diabetes?

  • Encourage your loved ones to lose excess weight. 9/10 people with type 2 diabetes also have excess weight or obesity. Regular exercise has a significant impact on preventing diabetes. Encourage your family members to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.
  • Get in at least 150 minutes of exercise a week to lose excess weight or suggest some activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing. These exercises help improve insulin sensitivity, promote weight management, and enhance overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise will help in maintaining a healthy weight and helps in diabetes prevention. Even small amounts of weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
  • Chronic stress can impact blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes. Reduce stress levels by meditating, journaling, or seeking help from your family and loved ones. Stress can affect how well you manage your diabetes. Stress may make it hard to stick with healthy eating, being active, or doing regular blood glucose checks. Stress can also cause blood glucose levels to rise.
  • Making other healthy diet and lifestyle choices like quitting smoking.

What are some newer possibilities in diabetes management?

There are newer possibilities in diabetes management that can help people with diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

In conclusion, while genetics may contribute to your risk of developing diabetes, lifestyle choices and preventive measures have a substantial impact on diabetes prevention. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, monitoring your health, and seeking appropriate medical advice, you can significantly reduce your risk and take control of your health. Families can work together to prevent diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices and supporting each other in their health journeys. Talk to your doctor about newer possibilities in diabetes management and which options are best suited for you. Let us collectively lower the weight of diabetes as a family.

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References

  1. IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition 2021. Available at https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource-files/2021/07/IDF_Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf. Accessed on 10 Feb 2023
  2. Sapra A, Bhandari P. Diabetes. [Updated 2023 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551501/
  3. Galaviz KI et al. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2015 Nov 24;12(1):4-20.
  4. Blonde L et al. Endocr Pract. 2022 Oct;28(10):923-1049.
  5. ElSayed NA et al. Diabetes Care. 2023 Jan 1;46(Supple 1):S68-S96.
  6. Davies MJ et al. Diabetes Care. 2022 Nov 1;45(11):2753-2786.

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