There are ways you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or prevent complications if you have been diagnosed with this condition. The Mayo Clinic recommends three lifestyle changes:

• Opt for healthy foods – especially fruits, vegetables and whole grains – that are low in fat and calories. In addition, try to consume at least 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you consume since fiber has been found to help control blood sugar levels.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. This should be moderate physical activity, such as taking a brisk walk. If you can’t do 30 minutes at one time, you can do several shorter sessions several times a day.
• Lose weight. Just dropping between 5-10 percent of body weight can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

By making these simple changes, you can not only feel better, but also prevent type 2 diabetes and thereby lower your risk of breast cancer.

Primary Sources for This Sharepost:

American Diabetes Association. (nd). Type 2.

BBC News Health. (2012). Diabetes link to breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Endocrineweb.com. (2011).  Menopause plays no role in type 2 diabetes risk.

Mayo Clinic. (2012).  Diabetes and menopause: A twin challenge.

Mayo Clinic.  (2012). Type 2 diabetes.

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. (2012). Diabetes linked to higher risk of breast cancer.

Redaniel, M. T. M., et al. (2012). Associations of type 2 diabetes and diabetes treatment with breast cancer risk and mortality: a population-based cohort study among British women. Cancer Causes & Controls.