We hear a lot about diabetes but there aren’t many people who fully understand what diabetes is, the difference between the types and that there are tips to help prevent it from progressing.
Because of this, we wanted to share an informative article about diabetes prevention tips and a risk assessment test that you can take yourself.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that is both taxing mentally and physically for the individual. When you have diabetes, your body has problems creating or using insulin. There are three types of diabetes:
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy
According to Diabetes Canada, 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. Luckily for these people, Type 2 diabetes can be managed and slowed. Here’s how that works.
Diabetes Prevention Tips
There are some diabetes prevention tips for Type 2 and it comes down to certain factors and lifestyle choices. The four biggest things a person should focus on are:
- Food and nutrition
Ensure that you are eating a well balanced diet that includes large servings of whole foods, fruits and vegetables. When possible, lower your processed food and sugar intake.
- Stress management
Staying stress free is very important to your overall health and wellness. Ensure that you are doing things to manage your stress in a healthy manner.
- Movement and exercise
One way to manage stress is through movement and exercise. Find ways that feel good when moving your body. Whether it’s running, lifting weights or going for long walks, get your heart pumping.
- Medication
The final prevention tool is medication. Please speak to your medical team about diabetes medication if this is something you feel is needed.
Take the assessment test.
As benefits advisors who see a lot of employers with employees who have diabetes, we understand the need for an assessment test. As an employer, please encourage your employees to take the (CANRISK) test. Or, if you’re an individual reading this who is wanting to learn more about diabetes and the prevention, take the test yourself!
The test is 11 questions that will only take about two minutes. Once you finish the questions, you will be able to find out if you’re at risk. Taking proactive steps like doing this test will help improve your wellbeing and encourage you to live a healthier life.
Employees with diabetes.
It’s important to help care for your employees wellbeing and overall health. You can do this by helping your employees understand the risks associated with diabetes and how to help prevent the progression of the chronic condition.
You can explain to them the benefits package you have in place and how it involves diabetes prevention. This could include:
- Drug coverage to help with the costs of medication.
- Extended healthcare benefits and/or health spending accounts. This can be used for mental health specialists if the individual is struggling mentally with the chronic condition or even registered dietitians to help with creating healthy meal plans.
- Wellness accounts that include coverage for fitness membership fees and equipment that could help encourage employees to take advantage of living a healthy lifestyle.
Reach out to us for more information.
If you’re not sure what your coverage includes relating to diabetes, please reach out to one of our advisors today. We’d be happy to look at your plan or create one that works for your company.
