March is Nutrition awareness month, and for diabetic people, nutrition can play a big part in quality of life.
Childhood obesity has more than tripled the past 30 years in the united states. Because of this trend more children than ever before are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
“We’re seeing little guys young as 3, 4, 5 already having pre-diabetes. Generally with children, type 2 or pre-diabetes is much more aggressive and it occurs at a faster rate than adults,” said Jan Miller, a registered dietician.
Jan Miller is a registered dietician, and diabetes educator at the Lawton Community Health Center. She says a healthy diet can help manage and prevent diabetes.
“If you’re exceeding the amount of calories that you’re body needs then you’re going to gain weight,” said Miller. “And gaining weight puts you at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, lipid problems which can result in heart disease as well.”
She also says exercise is just as important.
“Being consistent with 45 to 60 minutes a day of regular exercise is a good prevention as well,” said Miller.
While fast food made be cheaper on your wallet, Miller says it’s not cheaper for your health.
“We have to be the ones to decide to be smart consumers about our own health,” said Miller. “And making sure that we are meeting our nutrition needs.”
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and would like some help with diabetes management, contact your health care provider for a referral to talk with the diabetes educators at the Lawton Community Health Center.