Although diabetes is responsible for almost 200,000 deaths every year in the United States and is considered one of the most deadly lifestyle diseases, there is still no real cure for diabetes. With the billions of dollars invested in finding a cure for diabetes, you would think a cure is right around the corner. However, in spite of all the research, money and hard work involved in looking for a cure for diabetes, each year finds more people, young and old, suffering from the effects of this disease.

Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot keep the glucose in the blood metabolized, resulting in an insulin deficiency that the pancreas cannot keep up with. Monitoring the blood glucose level regularly is the only way a diabetic can continue to live a normal lifestyle. Diabetes is considered as a lifestyle disease because, although a lot of it is genetic, it often develops as a result of inappropriate and improper habits and lifestyles.

While finding a complete cure for diabetes may still be in the research stages, many believe that making changes in our lifestyle can be effective preventative measures against developing diabetes. What are the most important lifestyle factors that can be changed or modified to help prevent diabetes?

Diet

Diet plays a huge part in controlling or reducing the symptoms of diabetes. One of the most important keys to a good diet for diabetics is having a diet with a low glycemic index. The best diet for diabetics is a diet low in proteins, high in fiber and a very small amount of fats and carbohydrates. The diet must also provide the individual with the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they need to keep the immune system healthy. The healthiest addition to a diabetic’s diet is one rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. While this diet is highly recommended for diabetics, it’s also the type of diet that will promote healthy living in most of us.

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight

Being overweight is a contributing factor in many people, especially children, developing diabetes. Childhood diabetes, in particular has been linked with childhood obesity. People that have been diagnosed with diabetes are often put on a special diet to ensure they lose any excess weight they may have as well as to maintain their ideal weight. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical exercise can help individuals reach their ideal weight goal. While losing weight or maintaining an ideal weight may not be a surefire cure for diabetes, it can help to lessen the complications and severity of diabetes.

Don’t Smoke

While smoking has not been linked with causing diabetes, it can increase your body’s cholesterol levels and intensify your diabetes symptoms. This can result in complications such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Smoking can also stand in the way of your treatments and medications providing a cure for diabetes. If you smoke, stop smoking now, and if you don’t smoke, you’re closer to a cure for diabetes.