In the more than two years since the lock-down began, more and more people are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In fact, diabetes has increased 16% since 2020.
Data from the International Diabetes Federation shows that 10% of the world’s population aged 20-70 now has diabetes. Diabetes is expected to affect 784 million adults by 2045.
Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune illness can lead to other debilitating diseases:
- Blindness
- Liver disease
- Dementia
- Depression
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Amputation,
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
Research has found that leading a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of diabetes. Research shows that regular movement is key in managing diabetes. Studies show that physical activity can reduce blood glucose levels.
Lifestyle strategies to reduce sitting include:
- Stand every hour for two to three minutes
- Spend time doing household activities
- Garden
- Play outside with children.
- Walk when on the telephone
- Get up and walk when the commercial comes on the television
- Play with pets
Awareness is only half of the solution. Now that you know that movement can help with a variety of physical issues (sugar metabolism, blood pressure reduction, vascular health, memory and obesity) it’s time to put that information to use and regain our health.
Until next time,
Dr. Polly
