HOW TO PREVENT DIABETES

• CUT SUGAR AND

REFINED CARBOHYDRATES OUT OF YOUR DIET. They raise your blood sugar levels.

• EXERCISE REGULARLY. Physical activity helps to increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

• LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU’RE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE. Having excess fat around your organs (known as visceral fat) promotes inflammation and stops insulin working properly.

• STOP SMOKING. Research has shown a link between smoking and second-hand smoke exposure and type 2 diabetes.

• TRY TO GET MORE VITAMIN D. Low levels of this vitamin, obtained from the sun, supplements and some foods including fatty fish, are linked with higher blood sugar levels.

• GET AT LEAST SEVEN HOURS SLEEP A NIGHT. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can affect insulin’s ability to work properly, especially in people who have a family history of diabetes and may be genetically predisposed.

• EAT PLENTY OF FIBRE. It helps to slow down the flow of glucose from foods into the bloodstream, keeping blood sugar levels down.

• TRY NOT TO STRESS. The hormones released by your body when you feel stressed increase blood sugar.

• INCLUDE CINNAMON IN YOUR DIET. According to research published in the United States, the nutrients it contains help insulin to do its job more effectively.