Good News about Diabetes

Even though over half of the elder American Indian population has diabetes and the risk of developing diabetes increases as you get older, the GOOD NEWS is that diabetes is controllable. Better control of blood glucose can reduce the risk of complications.

Diabetes can be controlled with:

• Healthy eating
• Regular physical activity
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Medication
• Regular feet, eyes, and dental exams (at least once a year, twice a year for teeth)

If you don't have diabetes but are at risk for it, you can PREVENT DIABETES by taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

What can you do to prevent diabetes?

• Exercise regularly
• Eat less fat and calories
• Lose weight

The Diabetes Prevention Program research study, which included 177 American Indians and Alaska Natives, found that small lifestyle changes in eating and physical activity, along with a modest weight loss can decrease a person's risk for diabetes by 58%!

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)    http://ndep.nih.gov
NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

A Joint Initiative of the National Institutes of Health and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention