Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? Diabetes is a group of diseases indicated by insulin deficiencies or improper reactions to insulin in the body, and result in having too much sugar in the blood. More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and many more will develop the condition in their lifetime.

Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to lessen the likelihood of being affected by type 2 diabetes:

• Make healthier choices when you eat. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diet, and cut back on foods high in fat and added sugar. Also decrease your calorie consumption by having smaller portions.
• Take small steps to be more physically active. Go for short walks a few times every week, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Your goal should be to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days of the week.
• Maintain a healthy weight (find your ideal weight with BMI calculations).
• Quit smoking.

If you take just a few of these steps, you will notice your overall health improve. Your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose should be better, and you will be at a much lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke.

Another very important part of making sure that you stay healthy is seeing your doctor regularly. Make sure that you encourage your family and friends to use their Massachusetts health insurance policies to see their primary care physician regularly, as catching symptoms of diabetes early is crucial. For more health insurance information, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655.