Hey there! Did you know that there’s a surgery called bariatric surgery that can lead to weight loss and even reverse Type 2 diabetes for some people? Pretty cool, huh?

Before you go signing up for surgery, let’s talk about diabetes testing. Turns out, there are millions of Americans who have diabetes and don’t even know it. The CDC has a one-minute risk tool that can help you figure out if you need to get tested. You can also ask your doctor about testing, which usually involves checking your blood sugar or measuring an average of your blood sugar levels over the past few months.

If you do get diagnosed with diabetes, don’t fret! It’s an “all hands on deck” moment, and that includes you and your family. During those first few weeks after a diagnosis, it’s important to establish new habits like monitoring your blood sugar, eating right, and taking any prescribed medication.

Speaking of medication, there are plenty of options to help manage Type 2 diabetes, including pills, injections, and even some new medicines on the market. But did you know that some people have been able to reverse Type 2 diabetes without medication? That’s right! With the right diet and lifestyle changes, you could potentially kick diabetes to the curb.

Of course, we don’t recommend replacing all your meals with healthy shakes like the participants in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial did. But finding a nutritional plan that you can stick to long-term is key. Mediterranean and plant-based diets have been shown to be effective, and low-carb and intermittent fasting diets might work for some people, but you should always talk to a nutritionist or doctor before making any major changes.

Managing diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels under control is its own form of prevention, but the best way to prevent diabetes is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting back on sugar and processed foods, and getting plenty of exercise can all help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

And trust me, you don’t want to mess around with diabetes. Studies estimate that a diagnosis of diabetes at age 40 reduces life expectancy by six years! So take care of yourself and start making those healthy choices today.

Serious News: washingtonpost