Type 2 diabetes is one of the most pressing diseases currently affecting Americans. While type 2 diabetes was traditionally most prevalent in older adults, it is now becoming very common among young adults and even children. Many people don’t realize the harmful effects of type 2 diabetes until it’s too late. How does type 2 diabetes affect life expectancies and how can you prevent yourself from getting it?
Type 2 Diabetes and Your Life
Diabetes is currently the 7th most common cause of death in the United States of America. While there isn’t currently an accurate average life expectancy for adults with type 2 diabetes, it is widely accepted that it dramatically decreases your lifespan. The more your type 2 diabetes is under control, the longer that you will live. If your type 2 diabetes goes undiagnosed or untreated for long stretches of time, it will definitely cut into your normal life expectancy. The most common killer of people with type 2 diabetes is heart disease. Over time, high blood sugar will damage your blood vessels and lead to cardiovascular disease.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Thankfully, there are many different ways to decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce your portion sizes during meals and add more fruits and vegetables to your plate.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week.
- Move when you don’t need to! Try walking to the post office instead of driving, or walking to a coworker’s desk instead of sending an email.
- Make healthy food choices at least 80% of the time.
- Drink water instead of caffeinated beverages or sugary sodas.
- Track the food and drinks you consume every day to spot patterns in your eating or binging.
- Take your blood sugar regularly if you are concerned about your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Keep Your Patients and Your Practice Healthy
Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, revenue cycle optimization, and private practice business support. We can perform detailed assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.