The Warning Signs and Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

In honor of November being American Diabetes Month, Healthyroads, a health services organization, shares five warning signs of type 2 diabetes and three steps to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 9 U.S. adults has diabetes.

November is American Diabetes Month^® and Healthyroads urges everyone to be aware of diabetes' warning signs and take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes.

While symptoms vary by person, some common signs of diabetes include:

• Urinating often
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive hunger
• Unusual tiredness
• Blurry vision

If you have these symptoms, go to your doctor and get your blood sugar tested.

If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or have prediabetes, here are three tips to help you prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes:

• Get moving. Get physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. For motivation, ask a friend to join you.
• Lose weight. If you're overweight, losing five to seven percent of your body weight can help reduce your risk. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, five percent of your body weight is 10 pounds (200 pounds X .05 = 10 pounds). Talk to your doctor or a health coach about strategies to lose weight.
• Eat and drink healthy. Choose water over sugary drinks, and eat smaller portions. Switch from a dinner plate to a small plate. Use your hand to estimate portions:
• A closed fist is a serving of carbohydrates
• An open palm of the hand (not including fingers) is a serving of meat
• A cupped hand is a serving of vegetables
• The end of the thumb is a serving of cheese

Healthyroads, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated, offers a range of population health solutions, including the award-winning Healthyroads^® telephone-based lifestyle and health coaching programs, member engagement promotion programs, program management, health risk assessments, biometric screenings, claims analytics, incentive management programs, competitive group challenges, worksite wellness programs and/or an integrated online wellness portal, Healthyroads.com.