Did you know that nearly sixteen million US residents are on their way to getting diabetes? Most of them don't know it either. They have a pre-person with diabetes condition, with higher blood glucose levels than normal. These conditions can affect daily life, and may lead to later diabetes. The good news is that even if you're one of the millions of people with a pre-person with diabetes condition, there are some steps you can take to delay or prevent getting it.

The biggest part of preventing diabetes is making sure you control your lifestyle. Diabetes is a serious condition with some very worrisome complications. Left untreated it could cause blindness, kidney failure, and the loss of a limb. People with poorly managed diabetes might also have strokes or heart attacks. But there are some basic changes we can make to ensure that we stay as healthy as possible. Let's take a look.

1. Determine Your Risk

Knowledge is extremely important, especially when it comes to health conditions. Do some research, or talk to your doctor about your risk for becoming person with diabetes. People over the age of forty-five, those who are overweight, and people with a high carbohydrate and sugar diet are more likely to get this disease than younger, less heavy people with a more balanced diet. Genetic factors or other health conditions can have an effect on your diabetes risk, as well.

2. Set Exercise Goals

Make sure that your goals for preventing diabetes are realistic ones, but be sure to set some. Making a few small changes will be much more effective than trying to make huge ones all at once. Many people with pre-person with diabetes conditions don't get enough exercise. If you're not very active, try to add just fifteen minutes of activity every day. This can be something as simple as going up and down the stairs a few times, or taking a stroll around the block. Add exercise time as you become comfortable with it.

3. Pay Attention To Diet

Food choices can be a huge part of developing diabetes. Making better ones, such as eating more fruits and veggies, increasing the amount of fiber in your diet, and eating less refined carbohydrates and fats can make a huge difference in your health. You don't have to do it all at once. A little bit at a time can really help.

4. Keep Track Of Progress

It can seem pretty intimidating to make all these changes. That's why one important step is keeping track of how you're doing. A food diary, or simply a record of your progress can help you stick with it. Take the time to talk to your doctor about your progress over time. You might be surprised by how easy your lifestyle change ends up being.

5. Don't Get Discouraged

It's important to keep making those important lifestyle changes. Don't get discouraged, and stick to adding small things. Over time, they'll add up. Even if you backslide a little, keep at it, and you'll be on the road to better health. You can prevent diabetes by living a healthier lifestyle.