1. Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Pictures
2. Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow
3. Take the Diabetes Quiz!

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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It is not yet known how 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 a person has high blood fat levels (such as high cholesterol) or high blood pressure, take all medications as directed.
• Lifestyle modifications and/or certain medications can be used in people with prediabetes to prevent progression to diabetes. Prediabetes can be diagnosed by checking fasting glucose and 2 hours after ingesting up to 75 grams of glucose (dosing is based on the weight of the patient).

If you or someone you know already has diabetes, the 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 a person with diabetes 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; a high degree of personal motivation; and appropriate medical treatment. Consult a nutritionist or check with a 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 consuming 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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