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Obesity has Caused Soaring Numbers of Diabetics |
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported on a new
study indicating self-reported diabetes has soared in the past six years.
They also state that obesity is the primary reason for this dramatic
increase. Groups that have an increased risk are older populations, poorly
educated, and minorities. Minorities show a predisposition to developing
diabetes, more so than white Caucasians. The initial study was done on a
regional basis; the newest study included the entire nation. The results
were alarming, and the CDC are concerned there will be increased problems
on the horizon.
This trend was investigated and it was determined
the cause was not as a result of better detection. The ratio for those
diagnosed with diabetes remained within the normal age range. They did not
find diabetes in the rise among the younger and healthier population.
Scientists believe that fasting glucose tests are more accurate for
diabetes diagnosis than oral glucose-tolerance tests. The studies did not
demonstrate a higher rate of stroke, heart disease, hypertension, or other
chronic diseases. Diabetes alone has emerged as a major health concern. It
is the sixth leading cause of death from complications such as high blood
pressure, heart disease, and blindness.
Receiving a diabetes
diagnosis does not automatically cause people to make a better effort to
get in shape. In fact, the opposite is true; the generation suffering from
diabetes is also the most obese. In our current culture and society, it is
simple to sit in front of the television and snack, eat too much during
mealtimes, and purchase fast-food that is high in fats. An adult merely
needs to lose between five and seven percent of their body fat to reduce
their diabetes and heart disease risk. A 200-pound person would require
only ten lost pounds to see benefits. An increase in exercise level,
striving towards 30 minutes a day of moderate activity will have good
results.
A moderate lifestyle change will not only help reduce the
risk of diabetes development but also will benefit your health in
countless other ways. Exercise also has positive benefits for heart
problems, circulation problems, osteoporosis, as well as many other health
concerns. Moderate walking and mild stretching routines are a good way to
initiate a healthy exercise regimen. It is important to consult your
doctor before beginning any new exercise program. Your doctor will be able
to guide you as you are starting out and give you helpful ways to begin.
Studies have indicated that even slow walking, instead of the recommended
brisk walk will offer many benefits. Gentle exercises for strength or yoga
routines are good ways to start a new exercise program. It is also
beneficial to try parking your car farther from the store in the parking
lot when you go shopping. This adds a few extra steps to your daily
routine and, if you do it consistently, the steps will add up. You may
even want to begin marching in place during television commercials. One
woman who began doing this has reported improved feeling of well-being and
more incentive to eat healthy and to get more exercise.
Healthy
eating, more exercise, and improved body care will help decrease your
diabetes risk.
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