Ask Mr. Pedometer and Friends…

Q:  Mr. Pedometer, you have provided lots of valuable advice on how to avoid getting Type 2 diabetes.  However, you have not stressed weight loss.  Isn’t that important, too?

A:  Yes, one’s weight can be an important factor regarding Type 2 diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter (August 2012), the “simple prescription for staying diabetes-free” includes the following three steps:

• “Consume fewer calories and cut back on fat.
• “Take a brisk 30-minute daily walk (or the exercise equivalent to it) five days a week.
• “Lose at least seven percent of body weight (14 pounds for a 200-pound person).”

According to one large study, the modest lifestyle changes listed above reduced the risk of progression from pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes by 71% among people ages 60 and above.

That’s why Mr. Pedometer repeats…

“EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE, BE WELL.”