12 Ways to Never Get Diabetes

By the editors of Prevention.com

This condition is growing at a scary rate,
but it’s also one of the most preventable diseases around.

"Nearly 25% of Americans are thought to have prediabetes—a condition of slightly elevated blood sugar levels that often develops into diabetes within 10 years—but only 4% of people know it. What’s worse, of those who are aware, less than half really tried to reduce their risk by losing weight, eating less, and exercising more. These are just a few of the good-for-you habits that can reverse prediabetes and ensure you never get the real thing, which can mean a lifetime of drugs and blood sugar monitoring, an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other scary health threats. Read on for 12 simple tricks everyone can start today."

1. Nudge the Scale - Shedding even 10 pounds can significantly slash your risk.

2. Pick the Right Appetizer - Eating greens with a vinaigrette before a starchy entrée may help control your blood sugar levels.

3. Ditch Your Car - Walk as much as you can every day. You’ll be healthier—even if you don’t lose any weight.

4. Be a Cereal Connoisseur - Selecting the right cereal can help you slim down and steady blood sugar.

5. Indulge Your Coffee Cravings - If you’re a coffee fan, keep on sipping. The beverage may keep diabetes at bay.

6. Ditch the Drive-Thru - You might get away with an occasional fast-food splurge, but become a regular "fast feeder" and your risk of diabetes skyrockets.

7. Go Veggie More Often - Consider red meat a treat—not something to eat every day.

8. Spice Up Your Life - Cinnamon may help rein in high blood sugar.

9. Unwind Every Day - Chronic stress can send blood sugar levels soaring.

10. Get a Perfect Night’s Rest - There’s a sleep sweet spot when it comes to preventing diabetes.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

11. Keep Good Company - Diabetes is more likely to strike women who live alone.

12. Have a Blood Test - Many diabetes symptoms are silent.

To read the article in full go here:
http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100283874&imageindex=1