OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 29, 2024) — This November, Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), is highlighting National Diabetes Awareness Month by offering simple tips to help Oklahomans prevent Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is one of the leading preventable health issues affecting Oklahomans.

“Preventing Type 2 diabetes is about creating opportunities for healthier choices,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “Families across Oklahoma can start making small changes today that lead to a lifetime of better health. We’re here to help every step of the way with practical, family-friendly resources.”

More than 390,000 Oklahomans are living with diabetes, which costs our state $2 billion annually in medical expenses. There are several risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition and smoking. While managing diabetes can be difficult, taking small positive steps can reduce the risk. With Shape Your Future’s new recipe site, Oklahomans can access hundreds of healthy recipes, build customized meal plans for the week and even generate shopping lists to make healthy eating easier.

Prevention Tips:

Get Moving: Adults need 30 minutes of physical activity each day while kids need 60 minutes. Whether it’s a family walk, bike ride or dancing around the house, being active together promotes health.

Eat Mindfully: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. Swap sugar-sweetened beverages for water and sugary snacks with naturally sweet foods like fresh fruit.

Sleep Well: Quality sleep is essential for preventing several chronic diseases, including diabetes. Prioritizing consistent sleep schedules for everyone in your family can make a big difference.

Know Your Risk: Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help reduce the risk and identify the early signs of prediabetes. A great place to start is with the free Shape Your Future Health Quiz, which helps you understand the habits and behaviors contributing to your overall health.