Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity1
If you have type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to
coronary heart disease,
kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and blindness. More than 85% of people
with diabetes are overweight or obese.
If you have metabolic syndrome or are otherwise at risk for developing type 2 diabetes — or even if you've already been diagnosed — you can take positive steps to minimize your risks or get the condition under control.
The most important actions to take include:
- Working with your doctor to take stock of your condition
- If you smoke, quitting
- Managing your weight
- Becoming more active
- Testing your blood sugar
- Working with your doctor to see if medication is an option
Tip
Reducing your weight by 5 to 7 percent, and exercising for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes – even if you are at high risk.
Reference
1. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Web site, accessed September 13, 2011 at http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/health_risks.htm