Learn how to care for yourself

Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If detected early, the diagnosis can be reversed and type 2 diabetes can be prevented. These four things may be able to help you improve your diet and lifestyle.

Get active

Exercise allows the cells in your body to use insulin more efficiently. If you’re new to working out, aim for 15 to 20 minutes of physical activity, Then, build your way up to doing 30 to 60 minutes at least 5 days a week. Making it a priority in daily life will also make a huge impact. So, whenever you can, choose to take the stairs instead of the elavator and walk or bike to places instead of taking a car.

Eat clean and healthy

The consumption of highly processed foods could put you more at risk for diabetes. Go for a low fat and low calorie diet, focusing on food prepared with basic ingredients. Protip: If you can’t read or pronounce anything on the label, do NOT eat it.

Lose excess weight

When you lose as little as 5 percent of your body weight, you can bring your blood sugar levels back into the normal range. This allows your body to use insulin better and help reverse prediabetes. Prepare a diet and exercise plan and get the support of friends and family to help you stick to it.

Stop smoking

Research shows that the more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk for type 2 diabetes. It makes you more resistant to insulin, which isn’t good if you have prediabetis. While kicking the habit may be one of the most challenging things to do, it could easily be the most rewarding, too.