Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes?

I hope over the next few months to provide a better understanding about diabetes and how it may be prevented.
So are you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

• Are you over 40?  
• Are you overweight or obese (here is a link to a BMI calculator so you can determine if you are at risk - http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm )
• Do you have family history of diabetes?  
• Are you from a high risk ethnic group - African American, Pacific Islander, American Indian, Hispanic-American, or Asian-American?
•  Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol?  
• Did you deliver a baby over 9 pounds or have gestational diabetes?  

In a very large research study done in the early 2000's, it was found that 60% of individuals who had risk factors for diabetes who lost 5-7%  of their body weight and walked for 30 minutes 5 days a week reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by almost 60%.  I think this is a message that is important to get out to the public - physical activity, simple walking can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  How many of you are walking or doing some form of physical activity every day?  We are always so busy and although we always seem to find time to eat we don't seem to make as much of an effort to engage in some form of physical activity.
So I challenge you to begin a walking program, or engage in some form of physical activity.  Water walking, water aerobics are great activities for this time of the year.  Enjoy the pleasant weather and walk early in the day or in the evening. Make an appointment to engage in some form of physical activity at least 5 days a week if you want to lose weight and 3 days a week if you want to maintain your weight.  Take advantage of the bike trail or neighborhood parks and pools.

Stay Healthy,

Lion Kathy Gold