There are 800,000 new cases of diabetes each year and that doesn't include the increasing rate of children who are being diagnosed. That means 91 people are being diagnosed with this life threatening disease every hour! If you have already diabetes, want to practice prevention or you are related to someone who has diabetes, this informations packed article is for you.

How do You Know if You Have Diabetes?

People with pre-diabetes test out at blood sugar levels between 100 - 125 milligrams per deciliter after an overnight fast. If the fasting blood sugar measures at 126 or above - you have diabetes. Many people with pre - diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. The great news is studies show that people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Yes Prevent! Simply by following a healthy meal and functional fitness plan. Diabetes is serious!

Pre - diabetes increases your risk of brain attack and heart disease. Make time for prevention NOW and reduce the time you spend with complications later. You can make that choice today. Some of my patients who have lost their legs, eyesight and schedule their lives around dialysis appointments know how serious diabetes is. Take the steps NOW and choose your path to prevention."

5 Complications of Diabetes:

1. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness for adult's age 20 - 74 years old.

2. Causes heart and blood vessel disease: people with diabetes have heart death rates 2 - 4 times higher than people without diabetes.

3. Nerve damage: Symptoms include erectile dysfunction, slowed digestion, and decreased sensation or pain in the feet.

4. Increases Gum Disease: People who don't control their diabetes are 3xs more likely to have gum disease.

5. Limb amputation: 60 % of people with amputations are performed on diabetics.

How Fat Activates Diabetes Type II

"Being overweight can lead to diabetes because adipose cells, which are fat cells, secrete a substance that inhibits glucose uptake, otherwise known as your blood sugar. So the more fat cells you have, the more it inhibits the uptake of glucose, so your glucose levels will rise in your blood. People with diabetes need to exercise to control blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage! The more you exercise, the less dependent your muscles are on insulin." People with diabetes or pre-diabetes who exercise at least 30 minutes a day have more control over their glucose and lower risk of complications because it stimulates the functioning of insulin. If you are prone to or have diabetes, you MUST exercise regularly.

Having treated 1000's of patients with diabetes, I never heard a patient who's had a limb amputation or blindness say, "If I could go back in time, I would just sit around and not do anything to control my diabetes." The American Diabetes Association said it best when they said, "if you could dodge a bullet, would you?" So get up, get moving and dodge that bullet!

7 Tips for a Safe Diabetes Workout

1. Check your blood sugar level before, during and after exercise. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower, eat a piece of fruit or crackers, wait 15 minutes and retest your blood sugar before beginning the exercises. If your sugar is between 100 mg/dl and 250 mg/dl your OK to exercise.

2. Keep a piece of fruit or crackers nearby in case your blood sugar drops too low. Check with your Dr to find out what glucose level is appropriate for you.

3. Exhale on exertion when you are doing your exercise. If possible have an expert instruct you with the proper breathing techniques.

4. Make sure you don't hold your breath during the exercises.

5. Check your feet for blisters or sores before and after exercising. If you have sores or blisters, try chair exercises.

6. Wear shoes with good shock absorption and proper socks.

7. Drink water before, during and after exercise or as directed by your Dr.

Not all exercises are appropriate for diabetes. That's why it's important that you get a medically approved diabetes program to ensure a safe functional workout.