About 65% of Americans are either obese or overweight, mainly due to lack of good physical activity and over-eating.
Consequently, the rate of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other fat-related diseases increases on a daily basis.
It is estimated that up to 21 million American people have diabetes and 57 million people run the risk of pre-diabetes, a condition in which fasting normal blood sugar levels are high, but have not yet reached the level of Type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of pre diabetes include
- Often thirsty;
- Always tired;
- Dizziness;
- Sweatiness;
- Blurred vision;
- Often hungry;
- Stomach sickness;
- Nausea;
- Frequent urination.
Younger adults are at greater risk
New research conducted on Type 2 diabetes indicate that persons who gain weight before 40 years of age are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially women.
A rise in BMI levels in adults between 25 and 40 years of age puts them at greater risk of developing diabetes. Weight gain between 25 and 40 years in men can raise the risk of diabetes by one and half times, but for women in this same age group, the risk increases nearly four times when compared to those who maintain constant weight during early adulthood.
The risk of early onset Type 2 diabetes is significantly increased with weight gain during early adulthood.
Weight gain and lifestyle issues
Various factors can result in weight gain between 25-40 years of age. Intense changes in lifestyle can have a profound effect on your weight gain. Some of these changes include career commitments, long-term relationships or family responsibilities.
Practices of earlier life disappear as exercise and eating habits are originated or abandoned and factors which put your body at risk accumulate. As a result, extra pounds start to pile up, which puts you at increased risk of various other diseases.
It is never too late to get control
According to ADA, weight reduction by 5-7% or 10-15 lbs and physical activity for 150 minutes a week can greatly help to reduce the risk of rising diabetes by 58%.
Early weight loss can reduce the risk factors that lead to diabetes complications and also death. Here are a few tips to help maintain healthy weight:
- Eat three meals a day and don’t skip meals;
- Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and lean meat;
- Avoid high-calorie fluids such as sweetened teas, sodas, and juices;
- Eat less fat snacks such as pastries, cookies and chips.
