(ARA) – Diabetes is a serious disease that affects nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States. Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death.
This year, T-fal has joined the American Diabetes Association’s Stop Diabetes movement to educate and teach consumers about healthful eating. By following the simple steps below, families can better understand their risk and take the necessary steps to help combat this disease.
* Know your risk
Get tested. ADA Alert Day, the fourth Tuesday in March, is a day when Americans are urged to “Join the Million Challenge” and take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing the disease. By answering a few simple questions about age, weight, family history and other risk factors, it’s easy for anyone to find out if they are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes. In support of Alert Day, T-fal ActiFry will donate $1, up to $20,000, between March 22 and April 22, 2011 to the Association for each person who visits www.stopdiabetes.org and completes the Diabetes Risk Test.
Get educated. Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for diabetes. People who are overweight, not physically active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease.
* Eat for your health
If you are overweight, losing weight is one of the most important things you can do to prevent diabetes. A healthy diet is not only based on healthy food ingredients and small portion sizes, but also on healthy cooking methods. Together, those three don’t have to leave you feeling deprived or restricted. One option for low-fat cooking is the revolutionary T-fal ActiFry. Its innovative heat pulse system and stirring paddle ensures even cooking and distribution, using little or no oil for each dish. The ActiFry also comes with a 38-page recipe book, developed in part by nutritionist and registered dietitian Ellie Krieger, which features a variety of recipes for main entrees, side dishes, snacks and even desserts.
*Get active
Exercising is a great way to help manage your weight and lower blood glucose levels, as well as help you feel better about yourself and improve overall health. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes most days and choose aerobic exercises that get the heart pumping such as walking, jogging, swimming and bicycling. Start slowly, gradually increasing the intensity and length of your workout as your fitness level increases. Once you create an exercise routine that works for you, you’ll find it isn’t that hard to keep going – you’ll feel great and have more energy as time goes on.
For more information on how you can support the cause, or to learn more about how ActiFry, T-fal and the American Diabetes Association are working together to stop diabetes, visit www.stopdiabetes.org.