The healthcare professionals that instructed us in dietary guidelines and choices have done a great job in presenting the information in a way that it is easy to understand and work with. Food packaging and the newer cookbooks include the nutritional breakdown to make this calculation possible.
For those eating out, a Pocket Guide for Dining Out was provided, but many restaurants have the nutrutional information of their menu items available in some format - on the menu, in a brochure or on their website.
I never seriously considered the implication of our food choices until this past year when my husband became ill. Now that we are over 50, many people we know in our age group are now being diagnosed with a wide range of issues. Right now I am blessed with a strong body and good health, but I am overweight and not as physically active as I should be. I can still make changes now that will help ensure I stay as healthy as possible!
I can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes
"Scientists believe that lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. A healthy meal plan, weight control and physical activity are important prevention steps." read more ...
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
If you are aged 40 or over, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. If any of the following risks factors apply, you should be tested earlier and/or more often.
Being:
- a member of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent)
- overweight (especially if you carry most of your weight around your middle)
- a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
- health complications that are associated with diabetes
- given birth to a baby that weighed more than 4 kg (9 lb)
- had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol or other fats in the blood
- been diagnosed with any of the following conditions: polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin), schizophrenia
What are the symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight change (gain or loss)
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.
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