The IAA One Minute Blog

More than 500 million people of all ages are living with diabetes and the number of cases worldwide is projected to hit 1.3 billion in the next 30 years.

Diabetes Worldwide

Worldwide, six percent of people have diabetes, making it one of the top 10 leading causes of death and disability, the new study found.

In every country, the disease is commonly seen in people 65 and older, with a prevalence rate of more than 20 percent. The highest rate was 24 percent for 75- to 79-year-olds. In all, 96 percent of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.

Obesity was the primary risk, accounting for 52 percent of disability and premature death, followed by poor diet, environmental and occupational risks, smoking, inactivity, and alcohol use, the researchers found.

The findings were published in “The Lancet.”

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes:

1. Lose extra weight: Losing weight reduces the risk of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with prediabetes lose at least seven to 10 percent of their body weight with changes in exercise and diet.
2. Be more physically active
3. Eat healthy, plant-based foods: Plants provide vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in your diet. Avoid foods that are “bad carbohydrates,” those high in sugar with little fiber or nutrients.
4. Eat healthy fats: Fatty foods are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation. To help lose and manage weight, your diet should include a variety of foods with unsaturated fats, sometimes called “good fats.”

It is also important to skip fad diets and make healthier choices. Many fad diets may help you lose weight. There is little research about the long-term benefits and their benefits in preventing diabetes.

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you and your family to take the time to learn about preventing diabetes. IAA does not want anyone to become a part of a statistic.