Dr. Jianlin Wu, a physician with the Rendr Medical Group in New York, emphasizes the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles and undergoing regular health check-ups to reduce the risk of disease. Many people are aware that diabetes can have a genetic component, but did you know it might also be influenced by your surroundings?
Dr. Wu explains that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a certain genetic link. If a person has a family history of diabetes, such as parents or siblings with the condition, their risk of developing diabetes increases. Interestingly, even in couples without blood relations, if one partner has diabetes, the other may also face a heightened risk.
So, what causes this? Dr. Wu points out that couples often share similar lifestyles, including dietary habits and levels of physical activity. For instance, if both partners indulge in a high-sugar, high-fat diet or lead sedentary lives, they inadvertently increase their chances of developing diabetes. Additionally, unhealthy habits can be passed down from parents to children, further compounding the genetic factors that contribute to diabetes risk in the next generation.
However, even if you have a family history of diabetes, there are actionable steps you can take to lower your risk:
1. **Healthy Eating**: Opt for fresh whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding high-sugar, high-fat, and low-fiber foods, as well as processed items and alcohol.
2. **Regular Exercise**: Aim for at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week—activities like brisk walking, tai chi, or swimming are great options. You should feel slightly exerted during exercise, with a faster heartbeat and increased breathing, but not overly breathless.
3. **Weight and Waist Management**: Strive to maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 23.9 kg/m2. It’s also crucial to control waist size to avoid abdominal obesity—the “apple” body type—by keeping women’s waist measurements under 85 cm and men’s under 90 cm.
4. **Regular Health Check-ups**: While home blood glucose monitors can provide insights, they often yield fluctuating and less precise results, as they typically use fingertip blood. It’s advisable to have a check-up every six months to a year, where a blood sample is taken for a hemoglobin A1c test. This test reflects your blood sugar levels over the past three months and offers a more accurate assessment.
Moreover, stress management and maintaining a regular sleep schedule contribute significantly to both mental and physical well-being, which are vital in preventing and controlling diabetes. Dr. Wu practices at two Rendr clinics and is open to appointments. For the Brooklyn location at 839 58th Street, call (347) 770-8009; for the 2486 85th Street location, reach out at (646) 854-3624.
