World Diabetes Day: Five Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Over the past 16 years, Family Medicine physicians at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) have seen a rise in the number of patients with diabetes. There is no reason why diabetes has to affect you if you don't have a family history of the condition or other unmodifiable risk factors. As today, November 14, is World Diabetes Day, Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Family Medicine Physician Dr. Jean-Pierre Dhenin offers his tips on how to lower your risks of diabetes.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

The majority of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) over 25kg/m2 or more. Excessive weight and body fat, especially around the waist, increase your risk of developing diabetes. 

2. Know your family history

Your chances of developing diabetes later in life increase if you have one or more family members with diabetes.

3. Stay physically active

Regular exercise can help to prevent diabetes by controlling weight to a healthy weight range (with a BMI of 18.5 - 24.9kg/m2) and improving blood flow. Exercise is especially important if genetics put you at risk of developing the disease.

4. Eat a balanced diet

Increase your intake of vegetables and fresh fruits. Since diabetes involves an impairment in the body's ability to either produce or utilize insulin (insulin helps to convert sugars into energy), it's important to monitor the amount of glucose and starches consumed. A dietitian could be very helpful if you need dietary recommendations.

5. Get checked

Everyone over the age of 45 should schedule a blood glucose measurement test with their doctor every three years. However, if there are risk factors present such as family history or obesity (with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more) , regular testing should begin at an earlier age.           

Dr. Jean-Pierre Dhenin has over 26 years of experience as a general practitioner and Family Medicine physician. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dhenin, another Family Medicine physician, or a dietitian, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

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