Preventing Diabetes

Preventing diabetes is at once simple in theory but at the same time much more difficult in realistic application. There are lifestyle changes which all of us can undergo to help minimize our risk of developing diabetes, or to help treat existing diabetes, that really do make an impact. While they cannot help everyone 100% avoid diabetes, they can make a real impact. However, some of these changes, such as weight loss, can be much easier said than done.

Some risk factors are not changeable, such as family history and age, which may discourage some people. But by knowing that you are at risk because of these factors, it can also help motivate you to do other things to reduce your risk for diabetes.

Educating oneself about risk factors for diabetes, both modifiable ones and non-modifiable ones, and learning about those things you can do to avoid diabetes or minimize your risk is the first step to healthier living. Implication of these changes is the next step, which only you can take charge of and decide to do.

Of note, when we talk of preventing diabetes we are talking primarily of Type II diabetes. As there are few known risk factors for Type I diabetes and it typically occurs at a young age, it is not a form of diabetes which can be avoided in any kind of reliable way.

Topics Related to Diabetes Prevention

• Risk Factors for Diabetes: There are various risk factors for diabetes, some of which you can modify or change, and thus helping to prevent diabetes, and some of which you cannot. Learn more about your risk and the things you can do to decrease your risk.
• Prevention of Diabetes: Learn more about all the things you can do to prevent diabetes, including avoiding risk factors, changing habits and lifestyle and educating yourself.
• Diabetes and Weight Loss: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for diabetes. Learn about the link between obesity and diabetes and how weight loss can be an important part of both preventing diabetes and treating existing diabetes.
• Diabetes and Fitness: In addition to weight loss, however it is achieved, general fitness impacts the body in several ways that helps to decrease your risk for diabetes.