(NAPSI) - Nearly one million New York adults are living with diabetes and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this number is rapidly increasing. Nationwide, over 18 million people suffer from the disease and another 41 million are at risk for the condition.

Experts attribute the growing number of Americans with diabetes to the nation’s obesity epidemic. In fact, obesity is the number-one risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all cases of diabetes.

Exercise, Diet Critical To Prevention

Research shows that for people with diabetes, diet and exercise play an important role in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Further, a healthy meal plan combined with moderate-intensity physical activity can minimize a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes. “As more Americans become overweight or obese, we’re seeing a higher incidence of diabetes,” said Christopher Smith, senior executive director, American Diabetes Association (ADA), New York State. “The good news is that studies have shown that regular physical activity combined with a meal plan that is low in saturated fat and calories is an effective way to not only manage, but also prevent or delay, type 2 diabetes.”

Experts recommend at least 30-minutes of physical activity every day to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. In addition, a diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates may help reduce risk.

A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to combat diabetes.

During the months of September and October, thousands of New York residents will have the opportunity to commit to better health and support the ADA’s diabetes education and research efforts by joining “America’s Walk for Diabetes.”

Walks will be held at eleven New York sites, including Albany, Nassau County, New York City, Rochester, Batavia, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Syracuse, Utica, White Plains, and Williamsville.

The Rochester Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Seneca Park Zoo. Abby Wambach is honorary chairperson and will lead the walk. Check-in is at 7:30 AM and the walk starts at 9. For more information call the ADA national office at 1-888-DIABETES.

Low-Calorie Latte Treat

If you’re looking for a healthy, refreshing treat, try this great-tasting latte. Using Equal in place of sugar in your favorite beverages is an effective way to reduce your sugar and carbohydrate intake.

Ingredients (8 servings)

1 ¼ cups regular grind espresso or other dark roast coffee
1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
6 cups water
1/3 cup Equal Spoonful*
2 ½ cups fat-free milk
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
*May substitute 8 packets Equal

Preparation:

Place espresso and cinnamon stick in filter basket of drip coffee pot. Brew coffee with water. Stir Equal into coffee. Pour into 8 mugs or cups. Heat milk in small saucepan until steaming. Pour half of milk into blender container; cover. Process at high speed until foamy, about 15 seconds. Pour milk into 4 mugs of coffee, spooning foam on top. Repeat with remaining milk and coffee. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.