It's estimated that more than 180,000 Kiwis have type-2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. You can help prevent diabetes by altering your lifestyle.

1.Get regular exercise. Try to schedule at least 30 minutes of exercise a day at least five days a week, and stick to it.

2. Improve your food choices. Decreasing portion sizes and eating the right types of food (fruit, vegies, wholegrains, lean meats and legumes) is the best way to clean up your diet.

3. Lose your tummy. Fat carried around your middle puts you at higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Losing just five per cent of your weight can reduce your risk.

4. Limit your alcohol intake. More than three standard units a day can upset glucose metabolism. Have three or four alcohol-free days a week and use a smaller glass.

5. Get plenty of shut-eye. Sleeping only five to six hours per night doubles your risk for diabetes compared to six to eight hours.

 

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