Diabetes Prevention

What is the Normal Blood Sugar?

A fasting blood sugar should be ordered by your doctor and done by a laboratory after you have fasted for 8-10 hours.

RESULTS

Normal blood sugar (no diabetes) less than 100.
Pre-diabetes 100-125.
Diabetes is generally diagnosed 126 or higher on two different occasions.

With the most common type of diabetes (Type 2), the condition comes on gradually over a period of 7-10 years. Therefore, if you are tested and your blood sugar is between 100 and 125, you may have pre-diabetes which means you are starting to develop problems with maintaining a normal blood sugar. It is critical that you take action. Efforts to lose weight and get more exercise can make a tremendous difference. Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. If action is taken, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by about 50%. If no action is taken, you are placing yourself at greater risk of developing diabetes.

Who Should Have the Fasting Blood Sugar Test?

If you score 10 or higher on the risk test.

If you are age 45 or older, overweight, get little or no exercise, have a family history of Diabetes.

If you are under age 45, overweight and Any of the following are true:

Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher.
Cholesterol higher than 200.
Triglycerides higher than 250.
Family history.
History of gestational diabetes.
Get little or no exercise.
Are in one of the high risk ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic American, Native American Indian, Latino American)

Diabetes Symptoms
Click here to view some of the symptoms of diabetes.

Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?
Take the test. Know your score.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: NOT JUST FOR ADULTS ANYMORE

The diabetes epidemic is now waging war on our children. You can help to protect your child from developing type 2 diabetes by paying close attention to two key areas: determining if your child is overweight and if so then encouraging more exercise and eating a portion controlled healthy eating plan with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

WAYS TO GET STARTED TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND PREVENT DIABETES

First determine what your health risks are and take some action to reduce the risks.
Ask your physician if your child is overweight.
Be realistic as to any changes you make.
Call a family meeting and do a “family health check”.
When doing family schedules, don’t forget to include family exercise time.
Find out your child’s BMI (body mass index).
Set a good example for your child.
Accept that making healthier food choices is a family affair regardless of weight.
Start serving milk and water with meals.
Have fruits and vegetables available at each meal and for snacks.
Limit intake of sweetened beverages-always read food labels for added sugar (corn syrup etc.).
Monitor intake of soda pop. One 12 ounce can contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.
Remember that sports drinks or energy drinks may have as much sugar as regular sodas.
Declare your home a “Healthy Food Zone”-no junk food allowed.
Get everyone in the family to measure their steps and increase the amount of exercise daily. A pedometer is a great start.
Limit TV, videogames and computer usage.
Remove the TV from a child’s room.
Provide a good breakfast which contains some protein.
Make small changes in the meal plan.
Recognize that kids’ eating won’t be perfect, but we can always try.
Talk with your family about food in terms of health and nutrition, rather than in terms of weight and dieting.
Changing unhealthy habits and behaviors need not be unpleasant if we stay focused on the rewards of good health.

Adult BMI Chart
Click here to view the Adult BMI Chart.

Checklist to Measure Our Family Health
Download our checklist to measure your family’s health.