Nearly 1 in 9 adults worldwide are living with diabetes. There are three main types:
Type 1 Diabetes: When your body does not make enough insulin, which is the hormone that breaks down sugar. The risk for Type 1 diabetes is something you are born with and is not preventable; however, symptoms are controllable.
Type 2 Diabetes: When your body doesn’t produce or use insulin well to break down the sugar you eat. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy for some pregnant people. Typically, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born, but gestational diabetes increases your baby’s risk for health problems.
Building Healthy Habits to Lower Risk and Manage Diabetes
Even though type 1 diabetes is not preventable and gestational diabetes is temporary, many of the same healthy habits that reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes can help lower the risk of health complications and improve quality of life for anyone living with diabetes:
- Try to get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
- Try to get between 6–8 hours of sleep every night.
- Avoid smoking.
- Take care of your mental health.
- Increase vegetables and fruits in your diet while limiting processed foods.
- Take your medicines on time, even if you feel healthy.
- Manage your A1C blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Vermont offers free, online workshops led by trained lifestyle coaches to help people prevent and manage diabetes. Sign up at MyHealthVT.org.
Create a Diabetes-Friendly Plate
This plate visual can help you determine the right amount of types of foods when creating a meal. Choosing foods you enjoy is also important! The visual below can help you pick low-processed foods to include in your meals.
Calculate your personalized plate plan using the CDC’s MyPlate Plan Calculator. For more information, talk to your health provider and check out the American Diabetes Association.