Diabetes is a chronic disease that negatively affects several people worldwide, and its prevalence continues to increase. While various factors contribute to the development of diabetes, making proactive choices in your lifestyle and healthcare can significantly reduce your risk. In this article, we will explore top tips for diabetes prevention and how to claim health insurance, including health insurance plans for parents. By the end of this discussion, you’ll gain valuable insights into protecting your health and financial well-being.
- Reduce Excess Weight
Weight loss can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes. In a large study, participants who changed their diet and exercise habits and lost about 7% of their body weight reduced their risk of diabetes by nearly 60%.
To determine the weight you should aim to lose based on your current weight, consult your physician for realistic expectations and short-term goals, such as losing one to two pounds per week.
- Increase Your Physical Activity
Regular physical activity offers various benefits, including weight reduction, lower glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity for better blood sugar control. To achieve these benefits and maintain a healthy weight:
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week, such as jogging, swimming, biking, or brisk walking (30 minutes a day).
- Engage in resistance training 2-3 times a week, which can include activities like yoga, callisthenics, and weightlifting to enhance strength and balance.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity by taking brief breaks every 30 minutes to stand, walk, or perform light exercises.
- Consume Good Fats
Consume fatty foods in moderation due to their calorie density. Prioritize unsaturated fats for weight management and heart health.
Opt for:
- Oils like canola, olive, and sunflower.
- Nuts and seeds like flaxseed and almonds.
- Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.
- Consume Nutritious Plant Foods
Plants in your diet provide vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates for energy. Indigestible plant material, dietary fiber, plays a vital role.
A high-fiber diet helps in weight loss and lowers diabetes risk. Consume diverse fibre-rich foods:
- Tree fruits (e.g., tomatoes, peppers).
- Non-starchy vegetables (e.g. cauliflower, broccoli, leafy greens).
- Legumes (e.g., lentils, beans, chickpeas).
- Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, whole-wheat bread, pasta, rice, oats).
- Do Away WIth Fad Diets And Choose Healthier Options
Fad diets like paleo, keto, or glycemic index diets promise weight loss, but their long-term benefits and diabetes prevention are unclear. The key is to focus on sustainable, healthy food choices to lose and maintain weight over time.
Divide your plate for balanced eating:
- Half: Fruits and non-starchy vegetables.
- Quarter: Whole grains.
- One-fourth: Protein-rich foods like fish, legumes, and lean meats.
In the quest to prevent diabetes, knowledge and proactive steps are your strongest allies. Investing in health insurance plans for yourself and your parents can provide vital financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses related to diabetes or other health conditions.
Remember, health insurance plan cover medical bills and encourage regular check-ups and screenings to detect diabetes risk factors early. To claim health insurance successfully, maintain open communication with your insurance provider, keep comprehensive records, and adhere to the policy’s terms and conditions.
Subscribe to Bajaj Allianz General Insurance YouTube Channel here!
Standard T&C Apply
Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.