Diabetes awareness... take small steps today for a healthier tomorrow

It's Diabetes Awareness Month and we're talking about how you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or live well with it.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 1 in 9 adults in South Africa and 1 in 10 adults globally are living with diabetes. That's 537 million people worldwide today. The good news? You can both prevent type 2 diabetes and live well with the condition when you take small steps to improve your lifestyle.

Your first step to good health? Know your health

While type 2 diabetes is prevalent in our society, you can prevent or delay the onset of illness by living a healthy lifestyle. This means following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking.

Vitality is here to help make that easier... and rewarding.

Your first step is to get a health screening.

The Vitality Health Check is a simple and convenient set of essential health screenings and preventive tests that includes blood glucose and weight status. Plus, you can earn up to 22,500 Vitality points for finding out how healthy you are.

Take the first step to understanding your health...

What's more, you can get up to 50% back on glucose and blood pressure monitoring devices with the Vitality HealthyCare benefit... so you can monitor your condition or pick up any changes in your health sooner.

Another small step? Know how to live a healthy lifestyle

Struggling to eat healthily and exercise despite your best efforts and intentions? You're not alone. Rising food prices, increasingly busy lives, and not knowing what to cook or where to start with meal preparation, are some of the reasons many of us struggle to eat healthy despite our best intentions. Here's how you can overcome these challenges and live well with Vitality.

Challenge: It can be confusing to know what is healthy

Reward: We've done the hard work for you by determining which foods are healthy based on global dietary guidelines.

All you need to do is look out for the Vitality indicator at Pick n Pay and Woolworths stores when shopping for your groceries. You'll not only be buying healthy options, but you can also get rewarded with the Vitality HealthyFood benefit. Plus, know how to choose healthy meals when you eat out, dine in or order convenience ready-made meals with the Vitality HealthyDining benefit!

Challenge: Isn't healthy food expensive?

Reward: Not when you live life with Vitality! Vitality members get up to 75% back on healthy groceries with the Vitality HealthyFood benefit and up to 25% back on HealthyDining meals at our restaurant and ready-made meal partners.

The result? More than half of surveyed engaged members said that the HealthyFood benefit has changed their shopping behaviour for the better.

Challenge: Isn't healthy food boring?

Reward: Not at all! At the Vitality HealthyFood Studio we teach you the skills you need to make healthy, delicious meals. Check out our dietitian-approved recipes on our website to help you eat healthily. Learn cooking techniques, tips and tricks about cooking and eating healthier meals to lower your risk of getting diabetes.

Challenge: How do you stay motivated?

Reward: Pick progress over perfection. Stick to healthy habits, be kind to yourself, and the rewards of healthy living will pour in (literally). Plus, if you need more support, the Vitality HealthyWeight programme is coming soon.

While diabetes is a serious health issue globally, you can take small steps towards living a healthier lifestyle. Ready to be a success story? Vitality is always here to help.