By Donna V. Scaglione
Federal health officials now say that 26 million Americans have diabetes, up from 23.6 million in 2008, and 79 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, higher-than-normal blood-sugar levels that are a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Also, the Southeastern part of the country was just dubbed the “diabetes belt” by government researchers who found 12 percent of the people living there had the chronic blood-sugar disease, compared with 8.5 percent in the rest of the country.
What’s more, people with diabetes, which can lead to kidney failure, blindness, and amputations, die six years sooner than people who don’t have it, according to an analysis of nearly 100 studies done in Europe and North America.
You don’t have to become part of these growing numbers. Here is what you need to know now to cut your risk of getting diabetes.
1. Cut salt
Earlier this year, health officials advised people with diabetes, as well as those with chronic kidney disease, African Americans, and everyone 51 and older to reduce their daily sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams, or a little more than half a teaspoon. These groups are most at risk of having hypertension, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious medical problems, and excess sodium elevates that risk.
To break your salt habit, use herbs and spices to season food, read nutrition labels for sodium content, and eat more fresh and fewer packaged foods.
