If you believe you are at risk for diabetes or there’s a predisposition in your family’s history for diabetes then let’s look at ways to become aware of diabetes and the ways to prevent it.

Your risk of developing diabetes will increase significantly if your lifestyle includes an unhealthy diet. You need to do some research on what are the best nutritional habits and then compare them to the current diet you are on. By identifying bad nutritional habits and getting rid of them, you will know to stay away from foods containing high amounts of sugar or fat or sodium or preservatives. Remember to read the labels on your favourite foods to evaluate them as healthy or unhealthy.

Of course you have heard about the five food groups, cereal, meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. A well-balanced diet should have meals based on the five food groups with cereal being at the top of the list and fat at the bottom. The average person needs about 2,000 calories a day but this can vary depending on your weight and how active you are.

If you include plenty of foods that are rich in whole grains and fibres, you will reduce your risk for diabetes. You should include three to five servings of whole grains  and about 30 grams of fibre. Within the serial group you have a wide selection. Here’s some examples. Steel-cut oatmeal, millet, whole Rye, whole grain pasta and wild rice. The fibre you will require will be found in beans, beets, apples, bananas, rye bread, pecan spinach, pears, berries, raisins and bran cereal.

If you are overweight changes must come to your lifestyle. To keep your weight down and avoid diabetes you will  need to start a diet and exercise program. Your doctor will advise you if you’re healthy enough to start exercising. you might need to lose some of that weight first before attempting any exercise regimen.

With diabetes you will require regular check-ups to monitor your condition. High cholesterol and blood pressure are conditions that can be linked to diabetes. If there is a predisposition in your family, adopting this kind of Lifestyle will prevent diabetes.

Now you have a better idea what it takes to avoid diabetes. Remember the best person to evaluate your potential risk for diabetes is your doctor. Make an appointment and follow up.