Type 2 diabetes prevention

• While genetics plays an important role, an individual still has the ability to influence their health to prevent diabetes.
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest risk factors that are controllable. People should watch their 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 a person is 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 harmful in many ways including increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease. It also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• 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 a doctor as there are side effects to consider.
• The coming 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.