Reduce Stress to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes

In light of Diabetes Awareness Month, with an estimated 80% of the US population, including youth and adults, having undiagnosed prediabetes, it’s relevant to know how to reduce risk.

Chronic stress is a key cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The stress can be from specific foods, sedentary lifestyles, low sleep quality, and excess emotional stress from a variety of sources. Excess stress leads to low energy, unstable moods, and pain. How can a person connect with calm to reduce diabetes risk?

Three Ways to Connect with Calm

• Get active: Dance, walk, swim, hula hoop, etc.!
• Practice forgiveness
• Make time for laughter and play

There are many ways to relax more often and reduce the impact of stress. Share how you relax throughout the day with a friend. Or talk with a wise elder tree.

Practicing calm can be a fun way to connect with friends and family, build health resilience and healthy blood sugar levels. Together, when relaxed, we can  connect with joy through the holidays and feel well.

Join us at the monthly Cooking Class, where we’ll blend up skin care recipes to both nourish the protective skin barrier and to offer a moment to relax in the  kitchen with foods that heal. May your holidays be warm and bright.

This article comes to you from the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center Dietetics and Healthy Living Team

Please reach out to one of our Lifestyle Coaches for lifestyle and nutrition support, or join one of the Diabetes Prevention Program groups! (541) 672-8533