Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has stressed that healthy habits can help prevent diabetes. Exercising regularly, limiting the intake of saturated fats and eating more whole grains, fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce one’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Prof Abdul Badi Abou-Samra, chairman, internal medicine at HMC, said physical activity is an important strategy for maintaining overall health and preventing conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
“Simple activities such as walking for half an hour each day, can make a big difference to your health. Regular exercise can help reduce, as well as delay, the development of Type 2 diabetes. For patients who already have diabetes, walking can also help regulate blood sugar levels,” said Prof Abou-Samra.
The development of Type 2 diabetes generally results from the body’s loss of sensitivity to insulin, the hormone responsible for turning sugar in the blood into energy. Regular exercise helps control glucose levels and can also help prevent obesity, a major risk factor for the disease. Research studies have found that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes among adults considered to be at high risk of developing the disease.
“Although our genes may influence the development of Type 2 diabetes, behavioural and lifestyle factors also play a large role. Our lifestyle choices, food and exercise habits, determine more than 50% of our health status; the remainder is determined by our environment and our genes,” said Prof Abou-Samra.
The experts stressed that it is important for parents and caregivers to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle to their children. They also suggest parents and caregivers pay close attention to their child’s diet, as well as how their child uses their free time.
“The increased prevalence of junk food and electronic games are no doubt tied to increasing rates of childhood obesity. Today we see more and more children with Type 2 diabetes. A few decades ago, Type 2 diabetes was considered a disease of the elderly,” said Prof Abou-Samra.
Experts also stressed the importance of parents and caregivers being good role models for their children, encouraging them to engage in daily physical activity and signing them up to take part in sports such as football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics and
horse riding.