NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research suggests that excess belly fat combined with high stress levels may boost the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in black women, a group disproportionately affected by the disease.

"Much attention has been given to the role of obesity in the development of type 2 diabetes, but stress may be as important in this at-risk population," said Dr. Anastasia Georgiades, of Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

Healthy eating and regular physical activity are important in managing your type 2 diabetes because they can lower your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as help control your weight. It’s important to know that you don’t have to change your entire life to begin eating properly. In fact, simply by reading up on good ways to eat healthy, you will be well on your way to making positive changes to your health.