Currently, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented; however, evidence has shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by taking a few preventative measures, including:
Weight management:
Excess weight is the single most important cause of type 2 diabetes, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Being overweight increases, the chances of developing type 2 diabetes seven-fold while being obese makes you 20 to 40 times more likely to develop diabetes than someone in a healthy weight range.
Losing weight can help if your weight is above the healthy-weight range. Knowing your BMI number (Body mass index) helps to determine whether you are in a healthy weight range for your height. Talk to your doctor.
Exercise regularly:
Inactivity promotes type 2 diabetes. Working your muscles often and making them work harder improves their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose, putting less stress on your insulin-making cells, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
Walking briskly for half an hour every day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30 percent. If you are new to exercise, talk to your doctor be and start slowly.
Eat a healthy diet:
Eat plenty of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, yoghurt, and high fibre foods.
Try to reduce packaged foods where possible and reduce your salt, sugar, and fat intake, particularly trans and saturated fats.
Quit smoking:
Smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers according to the CDC. If you are having trouble quitting smoking talk to your doctor.
Manage blood pressure: Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and take any medications as advised by your doctor.
Talk to your doctor:
Take note of any changes in your health and schedule regular check-ups with your doctor.
Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation