How to Prevent Diabetes: 6 Top Tips for Better Health

If you want to live an energetic life with good health, preventing the development of any chronic disease is something you should take a keen interest in. One particular condition of concern is diabetes, a disease that affects millions globally. Diabetes, marked by elevated blood sugar levels, poses significant health risks and a burden to the health system. However, the good news is that with informed choices and proactive measures, Type 2 diabetes is often preventable.

In this article you will learn:

• What is Diabetes?
• The Poor Health Outcomes of Diabetes
• Who is at Risk of Developing Diabetes?
• 6 Strategies to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is not just a single condition, but rather is a group of chronic metabolic diseases characterised when a person has high sugar levels in the bloodstream. This is because a hormone that assists in directing the sugar out of the bloodstream called Insulin, isn’t produced anymore or in the amount that the body needs. Ultimately, leading to a rise in sugar levels in the blood. (1) There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1, which is often genetic and usually develops during childhood or adolescence.
• Type 2, which accounts for 85% of all diabetes and is more commonly associated with lifestyle factors and hence, largely preventable.
• Gestational diabetes, which is a temporary condition marked by higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy. (2)

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 1.3 million or about 1 in 20 people in Australia are living with diabetes, with a significant portion going undiagnosed and unaccounted for. Understanding diabetes is crucial in recognising its risks and taking steps to prevent it, especially in the case of Type 2 diabetes.

The complications of diabetes are far-reaching and can lead to severe health issues. When the condition is poorly managed these can include:

The Heart Foundation highlights that adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than those without diabetes. (4) These statistics underscore the critical need to learn how to prevent diabetes.

When it comes to who is at risk of developing diabetes, many factors come into play. By understanding the risk factors, it helps answer the question of ‘how to prevent diabetes.’ These can be split into 2 different categories being non modifiable and modifiable.

Non Modifiable risk factors put simply are ones you have no control over and may have been born with. These include:

On the other hand we have modifiable risk factors, which are mainly attributed to lifestyle and can be changed. These include:

When it comes to preventing diabetes, there is plenty that can be done through simple changes to your lifestyle. In fact, research has shown that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even completely prevented in up to 58% of cases by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and by managing a healthy weight. Here are 6 strategies to prevent diabetes that you can adopt:

When it comes to answering the question of ‘how to prevent diabetes’ the answer involves making sustainable lifestyle changes. By understanding the risks and adopting healthier habits, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing this chronic condition. It’s never too late to start making a difference in your health. Remember, proactive steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.