New ways in preventing Type 2 diabetes

Q: I know people who have developed Type 2 diabetes who aren’t particularly overweight or sedentary. Does that mean anyone can get it? What can I do to make sure I don’t develop it? — Gracie R., Roanoke, Virginia

A: Type 2 diabetes starts either with the inability to use insulin properly or when your body doesn’t produce enough of it to regulate your blood sugar levels — even when it produces more insulin than normal. That can happen because of inflammation, changes in the gut biome and even exposure to antibiotics. Genetics may make you vulnerable, as do lifestyle choices, such as eating high-fat, overprocessed foods; being sedentary; and not getting enough good-quality sleep.

But the latest research shows that air pollution, which triggers bodywide inflammation and reduces insulin production, is also a risk factor, and it contributed to around 3.2 million new diabetes cases globally in 2016.

Another recent study found that women who work more than 45 hours a week are 63 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than women who work 3040 hours weekly. This probably is related to a chronic stress response that amps up inflammation, disrupts sleep and causes unhealthy eating schedules and choices.

Your best moves to avoid Type 2?

Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep nightly.

Maintain a healthy eating schedule.

Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily and try not to exercise in highly polluted air.

Install air filters at home. If you work long hours and can’t curtail them, find time for daily meditation and physical activity to dispel stress and improve sleep quality.

Q: I need to change several of my doctors because I changed jobs and my old doctors don’t take my new health insurance. What am I supposed to do? — William C., Wooster, Ohio

A: No. 1: Specialization is increasing, so your GP’S job is offering important baseline health monitoring (annual physicals, vaccinations) and giving you referrals to specialists like cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons. The key is to have your medical records available to your new GP, and all your GP’S records available to any specialists, so they will know if you have health issues that affect their care of you.

No. 2: Act like a member of the care team from the start: Be an engaged patient, ask questions, be polite to the staff, show you care about quality care and you’ll get it.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.