Dr. Jianlin Wu, an internal medicine physician at the Rendr Medical Group in New York, emphasizes the importance of improving lifestyle habits and scheduling regular health check-ups to reduce the risk of diseases. Many people are aware that diabetes has a hereditary component, but did you know it can also be “contagious”?
Dr. Wu explains that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have a genetic link. If a parent or sibling has a history of diabetes, the risk of developing the condition increases. Interestingly, even if spouses are not genetically related, if one partner has diabetes, the other might also face a heightened risk.
This phenomenon is largely due to the shared lifestyle habits that couples typically have. Dr. Wu notes that when both partners indulge in unhealthy eating—such as consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods—or lead a sedentary lifestyle, they may inadvertently “pass on” diabetes tendencies to one another. Furthermore, these poor lifestyle habits can also be transmitted from parents to their children, compounding the risk factors for the next generation alongside genetic predispositions.
Regardless of family history, there are proactive steps that individuals can take to lower their risk of diabetes:
1. **Healthy Eating**: Opt for fresh whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding diets high in sugar, fat, low in dietary fiber, and highly processed foods, as well as alcohol.
2. **Regular Exercise**: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, which could include brisk walking, tai chi, or swimming. A good gauge of intensity is feeling somewhat exerted, with an elevated heart rate and faster breathing, but not out of breath.
3. **Weight and Waist Management**: Strive to maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 23.9 kg/m². It’s also crucial to monitor waist circumference to avoid abdominal obesity—commonly referred to as “apple-shaped” fat distribution—with women aiming for less than 85 cm and men for less than 90 cm.
4. **Regular Health Screenings**: While home blood sugar monitors can provide some insights, their results can be variable and less accurate. Dr. Wu recommends getting a regular health check-up every six months to a year, which includes a blood test to measure Hemoglobin A1c levels, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
Additionally, managing stress and maintaining a consistent routine can significantly contribute to both the prevention and management of diabetes. Dr. Wu welcomes patients at two Rendr locations in Brooklyn. For appointments, you can reach them at 839 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, by calling (347) 770-8009, or at 2486 85th Street, Brooklyn, at (646) 854-3624.
