Diabetes Prevention and Maintenance

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes amongst Americans. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. In the United States alone, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect diabetes to affect more than 48 million people by 2050.

You can take control and not let diabetes control your life. Making small changes in your lifestyle can be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start. Consider the latest diabetes prevention tips from the American Diabetes Association.

1. Get more physical activity
2. Get plenty of fiber
3. Go for whole grains
4. Lose extra weight
5. Skip fad diets and make healthier choices

The American Diabetes Association recommends blood glucose screening for everyone age 45 and older who's overweight. If you're older than age 45 and at a normal weight, ask your doctor about earlier testing. Also ask your doctor about testing if you're younger than age 45 and overweight with one or more additional risk factors for type 2 diabetes — such as a sedentary lifestyle or a family history of diabetes.

Also share your concerns about diabetes prevention. Your doctor will applaud your efforts to keep diabetes at bay, and perhaps offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.

Helpful links

Centers for Disease Control

Mayo Clinic

American Diabetes Association

National Diabetes Education Program

WebMD Type 2 diabetes prevention