It’s called the slow killer for a reason. Diabetes has its way of creeping up on your system, slowly affecting your nerves, your vascular system and eventually your organs. But don’t go blaming your genetics alone for diabetes. Most people are at fault for increasing their diabetes risk by making poor lifestyle choices. World Diabetes Day 2019 falls on November 14. The day is observed to focus attention on this deadly slow killer, which claims millions of lives worldwide. Diabetes risk can be reduced but also aggravated. So if are guilty of these five things, you will surely give yourself diabetes.

Skipping Breakfast

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. We can’t attest to that. But here’s what we can. Skipping breakfast can cause your insulin levels to go haywire. You’d be very hungry by lunch and will most probably overeat throughout the day, causing your blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Diabetes Early Warning Signs: From Weight Loss to UTI, 6 Symptoms That Are Usually Ignored.

Not Eating Your Veggies

Vegetables provide chockfull of micronutrients, antioxidants and fibre that are important for the smooth functioning of your body. Eating a diet rich in fresh vegetables can keep your sugar levels in check and improve insulin resistance.

Avoiding Healthy Fish

So you don’t like fish. Too bad! Fish is one of the healthiest proteins. Unless you bread it and deep fry it, fish is great weight-loss food. Omega 3 rich fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna reduces cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. So make it a point to eat a serving for fish every alternate day if not every day. Diabetes Mellitus: Include These 5 Foods in Your Diet To Lower Blood Sugar.

Not Sleeping on Time

Watching reruns of your favourite show on Netflix could come at a heavy price. Skimping on sleep hours could cause hormones to fluctuate. The result is a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. If you want to reduce your risk, catch your forty winks on time and don’t stay up late.

Being a Couch Potato

Get up, move around and stretch! If you don't get enough physical activity, you will surely raise your diabetes risk. All it takes is 20 minutes of rigorous heart-pumping activity and you are sorted for the day.

This World Diabetes Day, steer clear from the silent killer by avoiding these dumb mistakes. Eat your veggies, get some exercise, soak in some sun and don't forget to turn off your phone at night!

(This article is only for informative purpose and shouldn't be substituted for professional advice.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2019 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).