Diabetes and the Family: Tips to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent type 2 diabetes  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Most of us know the fact that type 1 diabetes is neither preventable nor curable for reasons that we dont fully understand. It is an autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells that make insulin, a hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy. But medication along with making lifestyle choices can help manage type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, unlike type 1 diabetes, can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle modifications such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight, etc.

Perhaps, families should be educated to recognise the signs of diabetes mellitus which is difficult to understand. Hence, educating the family will help in recognising the warning signs early which will further help prevent or reduce complications in the future related to diabetes. If not treated in time, diabetes can lead to severe complications that are not reversible like kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and stroke resulting in early death. If diabetes is diagnosed and well-managed people can live a long and healthy life.

Understanding the signs and symptoms, risk factors and making changes to your lifestyle can help prevent or reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. To help you and your family lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent diabetes, Amreen Shaikh, head dietician and nutritionist, Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central, shares a few things to keep in mind:

Additionally, support your family member who is diabetic and get educated about the symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and also managing diabetes. There is overwhelming evidence from studies that lifestyle changes can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes even in those at high risk.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Diabetes and the family: Tips to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent type 2 diabetes - Times Now