National expert will be Second Annual Diabetes Conference speaker
You can do something about Type 2 diabetes — ‘just get up and walk’
Nearly 16 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition which sharply raises the risk for developing type 2 diabetes and increases risk of heart disease by 50 percent, according to Francine Kaufman, M.D., past president of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and current division chief of endocrinology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
“The good news for older adults is you still can do something about it,” she said. “Just get up and walk.”
Dr. Kaufman will address the epidemic of type 2 diabetes during her talk at Mills-Peninsula’s Second Annual Diabetes Conference Saturday, Nov. 15, at the San Bruno Senior Center.
Dr. Kaufman, who has devoted most of her life to people with diabetes, recommends a brisk walk at least 30-minutes a day, five days a week, plus modest changes in daily routines such as cutting fat and eating fewer calories.
Mills-Peninsula diabetes educator Cindy Rudolph, RN, CDE, agrees. “Take the stairs, park further away, walk to the bus stop, eat more fruit and less sweets, and drink more water,” she said. “If stiff, achy joints or back problems limit your mobility, consider an aquatics program for a good cardiovascular workout.”
“When you adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a healthy weight and good eating habits, you can significantly delay or prevent developing diabetes,” Dr. Kaufman said.
A recent government study found that adults age 60 and older who were at higher risk for diabetes were able to reduce their risk by 71 percent just by making lifestyle changes.
“And for many, modest lifestyle improvements also can return elevated blood glucose levels back to normal,” she said.
The first step is to get evaluated for glucose tolerance, particularly if you are at higher risk for developing diabetes, Dr. Kaufman recommends. High risk includes anyone who is obese, has high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or triglycerides, or has relatives with diabetes.
“Find out if you have pre-diabetes, so you can understand the risks and how to prevent its onset,” the endocrinologist said. “If you already have diabetes, get treated early to prevent complications.”
In February, Tommy Thompson, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, presented Dr. Kaufman the ADA’s Woman of Valor Award. She was selected because of her lifetime achievements in pediatric endocrinology and clinical research as well as her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by diabetes.
The conference is set for 9 a.m. until noon, San Bruno Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road. Admission is $5. Seating is limited. Preregistration is required. Call 1–800–654–9966 to register.
What you can do to prevent diabetes
minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days, preferably every day.