In this Article

• Introduction to diabetes prevention
• What is type 2 diabetes?
• What are the risks factors for developing diabetes?
• Are there any "red flags" we can measure that point to an increased risk for diabetes?
• Is gestational diabetes a risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life?
• Are certain dietary patterns associated with the development of type 2 diabetes?
• Is there anything that can help to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes?
• Are there medications that can help to prevent type 2 diabetes?
• Type 2 Diabetes Prevention At A Glance
• Diabetes Prevention Glossary
• Diabetes Prevention Index

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention At A Glance

• While genetics plays an important role, you still have the ability to influence your health to prevent diabetes.
  
  
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest risk factors you can control. Watch your weight, and exercise more.
  
  
• Diet is important because it helps with weight loss. There are some foods such as nuts, which in small amounts provide health benefits in blood sugar regulation.
  
  
• There are tests available to see if you are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, but to identify the two main factors simply requires a good family history (genetics) and a bathroom scale.
  
  
• Exercise is beneficial even without weight loss in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• Exercise is even more beneficial with weight loss in the prevention of type 2 diabetes
  
  
• Smoking is BAD.
  
  
• There are medications available that have been shown in large trials to delay or prevent the onset of overt diabetes. Use of these medications requires a detailed discussion of pros and cons with your doctor as there are side effects to consider.
  
  
• The next few years will be very exciting regarding the advances in the field of prevention of diabetes. However, the cornerstone of therapy will likely remain a healthy lifestyle.

Resources: "Diabetes Prevention Program," National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. "Prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus," David K McCulloch, MD, R Paul Robertson, MD, UpToDate Online.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• metformin, Glucophage - Drug information about metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet), a drug used for treating type II diabetes in adults and children.
• Hemoglobin A1c Test - Hemoglobin A1c test is used as a standard tool to determine blood sugar control for patients with diabetes
• Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.

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