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There are 800,000 new diabetes cases diagnosed annually in the United States, and this number is expected to rise. Diabetes is a chronic disease that claims many lives each year. It is the number six killer in the USA today. While there is no cure, medical professionals are always looking for newer and more effective treatments. As with most chronic diseases, prevention is the best cure.

What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes involves a person's metabolism. Basically, it is caused by the inability of one's pancreas to convert sugar in the food one eats into useful energy. This sugar then builds up in the bloodstream and internal organs, causing a variety of problems.

It is generally believed that sugar is bad for you. This is not exactly true. Actually, forms of sugar are found in nearly everything we eat, and our bodies require these sugars for energy. However, the kinds and amounts of sugar people take in are important.

How Can I Avoid Getting Diabetes?

Recently, there has been a new concern among Americans to adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent diabetes. Diabetes is often linked with heart disease. Keeping your heart healthy will help reduce the risk of diabetes. Make sure you get plenty of exercise. It is recommended that adults get their hearts pumping for at least twenty minutes three times per week. This is a minimum. You can do something as simple as jogging around the neighborhood or working out on an exercise machine in front of the TV. Just make sure it gets your heart pumping.

Weight is a factor in diabetes. If you are overweight, you are more at risk. The single best reason to diet and lose weight is your health. It may help to motivate you to imagine that you are not only getting into better shape and looking good, but also possibly saving your own life.

What you eat is also a factor. Foods that are high in cholesterol are risky. So are many kinds of animal fats, and refined starches and sugars. One way to eat healthier is to make sure you eat food from each food group. Eat breakfast every day and watch your portion sizes. Even if you eat healthy foods, don't over indulge.

There are a few lifestyle factors as well. If you get too little or too much sleep every night, you may be putting yourself at risk. Sleep helps to regulate glucose levels in the body. Smoking puts you at a higher risk, but new studies show that coffee and moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce the risk of becoming diabetic.

Finally, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of developing diabetes. If you belong to one of these groups, it is especially important to eat a healthy diet and make sure you exercise regularly, in order to help prevent diabetes.