Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Diabetes prevention, management can be aided by healthy diet, regular exercise

CHICAGO — The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is reminding consumers that the first-line defenses against Type 2 diabetes are a healthy diet and regular exercise, and that these defenses can be aided with the help of a registered dietitian.

The organization issued a press release following the announcement that celebrity chef Paula Deen had Type 2 diabetes and was working with Novo Nordisk to shed light on the issue.

"If you're at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, consult a registered dietitian who can work with you to create an eating plan that fits your lifestyle," the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokeswoman and registered dietitian Constance Brown-Riggs said. "Don't wait for a diagnosis to make the lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes and its serious complications, as well as significant medical costs. In fact, with the assistance of a registered dietitian, diet, exercise and weight loss can also reverse prediabetes, which affects an estimated 79 million people."

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