05/29/2024
How can I prevent diabetes?
You can’t prevent autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes. But there are some steps you can take to lower your risk for developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, including:
Eat a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.
Get physically active. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week.
Work to achieve a weight that’s healthy for you.
Manage your stress.
Limit alcohol intake.
Get adequate sleep (typically 7 to 9 hours) and seek treatment for sleep disorders.
Quit smoking.
Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider to manage existing risk factors for heart disease.
It’s important to note that there are some diabetes risk factors you can’t change, such as your genetics/family history, age and race. Know that Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that involves many contributing factors.
