About one in 10 Americans, or 37 million of us, have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 90% to 95% of those people fall under the umbrella of having type 2. (ICYMI, type 2 involves insulin resistance, or having cells that don’t respond normally to the blood sugar-controlling hormone insulin. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas ceases or drastically decreases production of insulin.)
We recently reported that nearly 40% of Americans are at-risk for developing type 2 diabetes by 2060, so more and more scientists are hurrying to get to the root of how to potentially prevent—or slow the progression of—type 2. While there is a strong genetic link, many health experts agree that it is possible for some individuals to make lifestyle choices that can help their type 2 diabetes go into remission.
Of course, eating more whole grains, fiber, healthy fats, protein and fruits and veggies can play a huge part in reducing risk of type 2 diabetes-related complications, but that’s not the only feature to focus on. Your stress levels, sleep quality and fitness can move the needle, too. That latter topic is the focus of one recent study that sheds even more light on how and when to sweat for blood sugar success.
