Diabetes Prevention

How Can We Prevent Diabetes?

There is no known method to prevent type 1 diabetes.^[15] This type of diabetes occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It is believed that genetic and environmental factors contribute to getting type 1 diabetes. Relatives of people with type 1 diabetes are at 10 to 20 times greater risk of developing the disease.

The number of people developing type 2 diabetes is increasing.^[16] If you are at risk of getting type 2 diabetes, there are things you can do to help prevent it. Risk factors for the disease include having a family history of type 2 diabetes and being overweight. Prevention focuses on losing weight and eating a healthy diet. Here are some steps you can take to avoid developing type 2 diabetes:

• Exercise. Exercise on a regular basis can help you lose weight. Even if you don't lose weight, exercise will improve glucose levels and increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.

• Eat lots of fiber. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can improve glucose levels. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

• Eat whole grains. Whole grains can reduce your risk of diabetes and improve blood sugar levels. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that losing only 5 to 10% of excess weight can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

• If you're overweight, get screened for diabetes on a regular basis after age 45. If your weight is normal, you're over 45, but you have risk factors for the disease such as lack of exercise or a family history of the disease, talk with your doctor about testing.