Can diabetes be prevented?

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  1. Some types of diabetes cannot be prevented, like Type 1. However, if you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight or having a family history of this disease, there are some things you can do to delay or prevent its onset. Studies show that people have delayed or prevented Type 2 diabetes by losing 5 to 7% of their body weight through diet and exercise.
    You can use the prevention methods for Type 2 diabetes to prevent gestational diabetes, too. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, following the guidelines for Type 2 diabetes will delay or prevent the disease.

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    Some types of diabetes cannot be prevented, like Type 1. However, if you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight or having a family history of this disease, there are some things you can do to delay or prevent its onset. Studies... More
  2. Dr. Dean Ornish
     
    Dr. Dean Ornish answered:

    The good news is that diabetes is usually preventable or even reversible for those who are willing to go far enough toward the healthy end of the Spectrum, both adults and kids.

    To prevent type 2 diabetes, move toward the healthy end of the nutrition, exercise, and stress-management spectrums. To reverse diabetes, you need to move even further.
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    The good news is that diabetes is usually preventable or even reversible for those who are willing to go far enough toward the healthy end of the Spectrum, both adults and kids. To prevent type 2 diabetes, move toward the healthy end of the... More
  3.  Constance Brown-Riggs
     

    Simply put "Yes!" Diabetes can be prevented. The results of a number of research studies show that having risk factors for type 2 diabetes doesn't mean a diabetes diagnosis is inevitable.

    Take the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study. It involved more than 3,000 people, all of them were overweight and had higher than normal blood glucose, a condition called pre-diabetes – a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

    The DPP tested two approaches to preventing prediabetes from turning to type 2 diabetes. They had one group modify their lifestyle by lowering their intake of fat and calories and exercising 30 minutes five days weekly. A second group used the diabetes medication metformin - also known as Glucophage. Those who took the medication received standard information on exercise and diet, but weren't required to change their eating or exercise habits. When the study ended the people in the lifestyle modification group had lost an average of 15 pounds - reducing one of the major risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. In fact, they reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

    So, the DPP study proves diabetes isn't a given - even if you have prediabetes and other risk factors. If you are willing to change your lifestyle a little - lose a few pounds and start exercising you can prevent type 2 diabetes.

    More Related Answers from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    Simply put "Yes!" Diabetes can be prevented. The results of a number of research studies show that having risk factors for type 2 diabetes doesn't mean a diabetes diagnosis is inevitable. Take the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study. It involved... More
  4. Dr. Joel Fuhrman
     
    Dr. Joel Fuhrman answered:

    Yes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese, because excess fat on the body interferes with the normal functions of insulin. The heavier you are, the greater the likelihood you will develop type 2 diabetes. In addition, nutrient-depleted refined carbohydrates like sugars and white flour cause dangerous spikes in blood glucose, promoting insulin resistance and increasing diabetes risk. Physical inactivity combined the nutrient-poor standard American diet make it almost impossible to maintain a healthy weight. In order to prevent weight gain and diabetes, we must focus our diets on high-nutrient foods, so that we are getting about 90% of calories from vegetables, beans, fruits, seeds and nuts. We must also exercise frequently, which not only builds physical fitness but contributes to maintaining a healthy weight.

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    Yes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese, because excess fat on the body interferes with the normal functions of insulin. The heavier you are, the greater the likelihood you will... More
  5. Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
     
    In some cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Diet, exercise and weight control are essential to this plan. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is typically inherited and is therefore less preventable.
    In some cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Diet, exercise and weight control are essential to this plan. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, is typically inherited and is therefore less preventable. More