Type 2 diabetes prevention, 3 lifestyle changes that will protect you from the disease

Type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by certain lifestyle habits. Make these 3 changes in your daily life and you will notice the difference.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that has become very common nowadays. While lack of insulin and genetic history are among the factors that cause it, certain lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise and high stress also contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels. Taking a few steps towards healthy life can make a huge difference.

High air pollution levels can cause immediate health problems such as aggravated cardiovascular and respiratory illness, added stress to heart and lungs causing them to work harder to supply the body with oxygen and may even damage cells in the respiratory system,” says Beena Bansal, director, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medanta.

S K Wangnoo, senior consultant-Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals; Bansal and Arvind Chabra, Country Head, Blueair suggest some lifestyle changes that will help in preventing diabetes:

* Breath clean air: As per a recent report by Lancet, air pollution is linked to diabetes. Researchers found that pollution triggered inflammation which reduces insulin action. Hence, it is very important to breath clean air. While a normal person spends 80% of their time indoors, investing in a good air purifier is the best solution for clean air.

* Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol: Water is by far the best and most natural beverage one can have. Replace all your sugary and aerated drinks with water to see the benefits. A few studies have also revealed that increased water intake may lead to better blood sugar control and insulin response. It is also important to limit your alcohol intake as it can lead to weight gain and may upsurge your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

* Quit smoking: Smoking has proven to contribute to major health-related issues such as heart attack, cancer, TB and even diabetes. Smokers are twice as likely to develop diabetes as non-smokers.

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