It’s no secret that truck drivers often have to sacrifice their health for their job. Long hours spent behind the wheel can make it difficult to eat healthy meals or get enough exercise. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor diet choices, puts truck drivers at a higher risk for developing diabetes. But it doesn’t have to be this way! There are steps that all truckers can take to prevent the onset of diabetes. In observance of National Diabetes Month, we’re exploring the facts behind the disease and how truck drivers can take control of their health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The CDC estimates that in 2015, about 1.5 million American adults were diagnosed with diabetes. Of those adults, about 208,000 died from diabetes-related complications—that’s almost one in every three deaths. What’s even more alarming is that these numbers are only increasing. The CDC projects that by 2050, as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes.
Here are three tips truck drivers can follow to help prevent diabetes:
- Get moving! Just because you’re spending hours behind the wheel doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to be active. Take a break every couple of hours to walk around and stretch your legs. And when you’re not on the road, make sure to get regular exercise. A 30-minute walk every day can make a big difference in your overall health.
- Eat healthy! Again, it can be tough to eat well when you’re on the road, but it’s important to make healthy choices when you can. When you’re at a truck stop, look for healthy options like fruits and vegetables instead of fried foods or fast food. And make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get tested! Even if you’re doing everything right, there’s always a chance you could develop diabetes. That’s why it’s important to get your blood sugar levels checked regularly. If you notice any changes, be sure to see a doctor right away so you can get treatment if necessary.
Truck drivers have a lot on their plate—sometimes literally and figuratively! It’s important to remember that your health should always be a top priority. By following these tips, you can help prevent diabetes and stay healthy on the road.
