Prevention and reversal

If you’re concerned about insulin resistance or prediabetes, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent and/or possibly reverse these conditions:

Try incorporating lean proteins, low-fat dairy, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Don’t forget to watch your portion sizes and try to avoid sweets and fried foods. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Your health care provider may recommend metformin, which has been shown to reduce the chances of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes. Plus, if you have other risk factors for heart disease, your provider might also suggest medications to lower cholesterol levels or blood pressure.

Try to get at least 30-60 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. You can go for a brisk walk, try a dance class or even do some yoga. Even small amounts of activity can add up to make a big impact.

Learn about living with diabetes in the Fall 2019 issue of Healthy You.

According to the American Cancer Society: