Considering that at the rate we’re going, 1 out of every 3 kids will end up with diabetes in their lifetime, highlighting diabetes this month seems like a pretty worthy cause. Diabetes, though treatable, is a very serious and incurable disease that can lead to stroke, blindness, amputation, heart disease, kidney disease, and death. It’s not something that any parent would wish on their child, yet so many children are leading lifestyles right now that will eventually lead to this condition in the future.

Right now, 24 million people—including children—have diabetes in the United States. Another 57 million people in America are at risk for type 2 diabetes. The most common form of the disease, type 2 is a chronic, lifelong condition that in which the body has too much sugar and doesn’t make enough insulin (or the body ignores insulin completely). Without the insulin, the body can’t break down all of the sugars and starches that are consumed, leading to many health complications—including those listed above.

In order to combat the disease, lifestyle changes—particularly those that involve the diet and exercise—are usually the most important action to take. Exercise helps control blood glucose levels by using up stores of glucose in the blood. If you exercise, you can reduce your glucose level for up to 24 hours—something your body will definitely thank you for. Twenty minutes of exercise a day can help prevent diabetes, as well as keep your blood pressure, heart and cholesterol levels healthy. It doesn’t have to be at the gym or elaborate at all; walking the dog, cleaning house, playing with your kids and gardening all qualify as exercise as long as they raise your heart rate. Make it a family affair by biking together, going for a hike, or playing an active game like Cranium Hullaballoo.

Making healthy food choices is also imperative in fighting type 2 diabetes. Packing plenty of fruits, vegetables (especially green veggies), whole grain foods, and dried beans in your diet can help keep you fit, lean, and diabetes-free. If you eat meat or dairy, choose lean, skin-free meats and fish as well as nonfat dairy products. Drink water in place of sugary sports drinks or soda, and watch your portion sizes as well.

To learn more about the fight against diabetes or to get involved, visit stopdiabetes.com where you can add the cause to your social networks, share preventative measures with friends, and help raise awareness and support.