Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with New Family Traditions

Traditions are a part of family life passed from generation to generation, and many families are making improving their health a new tradition. While type 2 diabetes runs in many Hispanic/Latino families, people are learning that there are steps they can take as a family to prevent or delay it. Making healthy food choices, being more active, and supporting family members with prediabetes to lose a few pounds are ways to show the next generation that type 2 diabetes does not have to be their destiny. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, NCFH is encouraging families to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes with new healthy habits.
 
Currently, more than 84 million Americans have prediabetes, and Hispanic people are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanics. Prediabetes means a person’s blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, a serious disease that can be accompanied by other health conditions such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Hispanic/Latino people are more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanics.
 
What else should you watch for? You and your family members could have prediabetes and be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Are 45 years of age or older
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Are physically active fewer than three times a week
• Ever had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds

 
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to happen to you. You can prevent type 2 diabetes if you act early.
 
Any CDC recognized lifestyle change program, also part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), can help people with prediabetes change their lifestyle to improve their health. Participants work with one of our trained lifestyle coaches and share experiences with others who have the same goals and challenges. Many who have participated in the program say they have more energy, less stress, and better checkups.
 
If you think you may have prediabetes or be at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can learn more about lifestyle change programs in your area from the National DPP website. Signing up with your family can help you create a new, healthier family tradition!