SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Diabetes Prevention and Control Program endorses new recommendations on physical activity and exercise for New Mexico residents with diabetes.
The guidelines, recently announced by the American Diabetes Association, suggest short periods of movement every 30 minutes – that’s more frequent from previous recommendations of physical movement every 90 minutes. The new guidelines are published in the November 2016 issue of the journal Diabetes Care.
Governor Susana Martinez has proclaimed November as Diabetes Awareness Month in New Mexico to increase awareness about the immediate and long-term impact of diabetes to New Mexico residents, families and communities. The state has designated diabetes a super-priority and is deploying resources to address this condition.
NMDOH reports diabetes affects more than 233,000 adults statewide. That’s one 1 out of every 7 adults. Nationwide, more than 29 million people have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One out of every 4 nationwide don’t know they even have diabetes.
"Sedentary behavior — such as time spent sitting at the computer, in a meeting, or watching TV—has a negative effect on preventing or managing health problems, including diabetes,” said Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “Physical movement improves blood sugar management for anyone who has a sedentary job is overweight, obese or who has difficulty maintaining blood sugars in a healthy range."
You are at increased risk for diabetes if:
· You are overweight.
· You are physically inactive.
· A parent, brother or sister has diabetes.
· You are Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, African American or Pacific Islander.
· You had a baby weighing more than nine pounds or had gestational diabetes.
· You have high blood pressure.
· You have low HDL (good cholesterol).
· You have high triglycerides.
Warning signs for diabetes include frequent trips to the bathroom, unquenchable thirst, losing weight without trying, weakness or fatigue, tingling or numbness in your hands, legs or feet and more. Symptoms can also include blurred vision, itchy or dry skin, cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal. People with prediabetes or diabetes may also have no symptoms at all.
To assess your risk for diabetes, visit http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/.