Learn how to help protect your health and prevent problems like type 2 diabetes to keep you feeling well into the future.
Type 2 diabetes
Staying healthy
Simple steps to staying well
Exercise regularly
Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day, can help prevent health problems like type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Try to be active on most, if not all days, do some muscle strengthening work twice a week and avoid sitting for too long.
Eat smart
Enjoying a healthy balanced diet doesn't just make you feel great, it can help prevent serious health problems like type 2 diabetes. Protect your health by eating a variety of nutritious foods, including vegetables and legumes, fruit, wholegrains, lean proteins and dairy (or dairy alternatives). Eat regular meals spread out through the day and be mindful of portion sizes.
Maintain a healthy weight
Carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle can put you at risk of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy body weight by exercising regularly and eating well can help prevent type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
Cut down or stop smoking and vaping
Quitting or cutting back on smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do to protect your health. Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body and increases your risk of type 2 diabetes by 30-40%.
Prioritise your mental health
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Try to prioritise self-care, stay connected to friends and loved ones and manage stress with mindfulness and meditation. If you're having a hard time, see your GP or mental health professional as soon as possible.
Sleep well
Getting enough sleep essential for you health and happiness. Most adults need about 8 hours sleep a night to help with concentration, memory and energy levels. Not getting enough sleep increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Learn more in our full range of sleep articles.
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Give feedbackThese resources are not intended to be a comprehensive list or to represent that Bupa endorses any specific health practitioner or program. Everyone’s health journey is individual and health outcomes can vary from person to person. These resources are also not intended to be a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare or other professional advice. If you have any concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.