Preventing Diabetes One Person at a Time

One in three adults has prediabetes, and 90% of them don’t even know it. But thanks to the new Diabetes Prevention Program at United Memorial Medical Center, more people will learn about their risk of diabetes and how to prevent it.

Amy Miller, registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified diabetes educator for UMMC’s Healthy Living department, is providing education about diabetes to Western New Yorkers.

“For all of us, diabetes is a chronic disease that we have the ability to prevent,” said Miller. “By living a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, and with a strong family history of diabetes, you can delay it.”

Interventions like the Diabetes Prevention Program can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50%. The program has received recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Miller and her team are using their platform and resources to help as many people as possible.

“Many people still don’t understand that once you get diabetes, you live with it for the rest of your life. There is no cure. So, the goal of the program is simple: help people prevent diabetes.” 

Diabetes Prevention Tips

Amy Miller shared her top diabetes prevention tips with us.

The three pillars of diabetes prevention are:

• Eat Healthy
• Be Active
• Lose Weight

“Preventing diabetes begins with eating healthy, living an active, non-sedentary lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy weight.”

Risk Factors of Diabetes

Common risk factors of diabetes are:

• Age
• Family History
• High Blood Pressure
• Sedentary Lifestyle

“As we get above 40 our risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases, and women who have had gestational diabetes also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

Type 2 vs Type 1: What’s the Difference?

Type 1 diabetes means your pancreas is no longer producing insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes you require insulin to live. Type 2 diabetes means your pancreas has a decreased production of insulin, or the body is not using insulin correctly, which is called insulin resistance.

How Can Family & Friends Help Each Other Prevent Diabetes?

Use the buddy system to become more active together, taking walks, swimming, yoga, and pickle ball, anything that gets you or your loved one moving.

And for those stubborn family members or friends who don’t want to address potential health issues…?

“Talk from the heart. Offer to be the support person that goes to the doctor’s office or lab with them. Diabetes is a disease that’s 24/7, 365, and people with diabetes need support.”

For more information about UMMC Healthy Living, call (585) 344-5331.