Preventative Care

Diabetes, however debilitating, is a manageable disease. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, proper sleep and exercise are not only ways to manage diabetes, but also effective preventative measures. It's especially important to make diabetes prevention a priority if you're at an increased risk for diabetes, for example, if you're overweight or have a family history of the disease.

Lifestyle changes such as being more physically active, weight management and eating more healthfully are great preventative measures. Increasing your fiber intake with foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds can promote weight loss and maintain blood glucose levels.

It's important to stay away from starchy foods made with enriched products such white rice, bread and potatoes (including French fries), pasta, flour, sugar, etc. Instead, substitute with brown rice, whole wheat breads and pasta, sweet potato fries, and raw sugar or sugar substitute.