Diabetes (cont.)

Prevention

We do not yet know of a way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented in some cases.

• Control weight to normal or near-normal levels by eating a healthy low-fat, high-fiber diet.
  
  
• Regular exercise is crucial to the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
  
  
• Keep alcohol consumption low.
  
  
• Quit smoking.
  
  
• If you have high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol) or high blood pressure, take your medication as directed.
  
  
• Lifestyle modification and/or certain medications can be used in people with prediabetes to prevent progression to diabetes. Pre-diabetes can be diagnosed by checking fasting glucose and two hours after ingesting 75 grams of glucose.

If you or someone you know already have diabetes, your focus should be on preventing the complications, which can cause serious disabilities such as blindness, kidney failure requiring dialysis, amputation, or even death.

• Tight glucose control: The single best thing the patient can do is to keep their blood sugar level within the suggested range every day. The only way to do this is through a combination of regular blood sugar checks, a balanced diet low in simple sugars and fat and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, and appropriate medical treatment. Please consult a nutritionist or check with the doctor with questions in regard to diet.
  
  
• Quit smoking
  
  
• Maintain a healthy weight
  
  
• Increase physical activity levels. Aim for moderately vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.
  
  
• Drink an adequate amount of water and avoid taking too much salt.
  
  
• The skin should be taken care of; keep it supple and hydrated to avoid sores and cracks that can become severely infected.
  
  
• Brush and floss the teeth every day. See a dentist regularly to prevent gum disease.
  
  
• The feet should be washed and examined daily, looking for small cuts, sores, or blisters that may cause problems later. The toenails should be filed rather than cut to avoid damaging the surrounding skin. A specialist in foot care (podiatrist) may be necessary to help care for the feet.

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