Preventing Diabetes

[Lanterns]

Is it really only... exercise and eat healthy? Or is there something else?

And when it says "eat healthy" I'm guessing it's saying eat in moderation, correct? No Atkin-like diets?

Thanks!

[Team Diabetes]

Is it really only... exercise and eat healthy? Or is there something else?

And when it says "eat healthy" I'm guessing it's saying eat in moderation, correct? No Atkin-like diets?

Thanks!

Well of course, you know that Type 1 diabetes and other genetic forms of diabetes cannot be prevented in any way.

Type 2 diabetes (the common form related to obesity) usually CAN be prevented by: maintaining a healthy weight, exercising (45 min 5x per week), and eating a healthy diet. Watch portion sizes if you need to lose weight. That's it. Basic common sense can prevent about 80% of Type 2 diabetes cases, or at least delay their onset.

Avoid junk food, trans fats, and sodas. A moderate amount of complex carbs with fibre (GOOD carbs) is what you need. Watch overall carbs and calories. Beans, oatmeal, veggies, fish, whole grains, lean meat, and good fats like olives and nuts are good. Excess fatty meats, refined sugar/carbs, and empty calories are not. Again, common sense, nothing too fancy!!!

Although not all cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the above can help prevent the vast majority of cases.

It is worth noting that some medications such as steroids and anti-depressants can trigger Type 2 diabetes in those who have the genes for it, especially if you are alredy overweight. Talk to your doctor if you take any of these medications.

[Britjojo]

I guess you have just answered the questions I posed in another thread. I was curious as to what I did wrong, but having had asthma since birth I have spent drawn out periods on prednisone. Perhaps that was enough of a stressor on my body to help move me into insulin resistance.

My asthma is now also under control, med free, since I started an exercise plan designed to improve aerobic fitness, so perhaps with the lack of steroids in future, I can stay healthy.

[annadannadanna]

A friend of mine told me that someone she knew starting restricting her carbs, lost weight, and was able to get off insulin (she was Type 2, but on insulin).

After about a month on a lowered carb diet, my numbers went down to near normal. I was only a Type 2 pre-diabetic, so that wasn't much of a drop, but if, as someone suggested in answer to your other post, you are eating a lot of carbs, that could be the problem. I know that I've always reacted poorly to carbs, in the sense that it never took much to make me feel sluggish or super-hungry, so for me, that seems to be the answer -- so far.

[Cassy]

I also wonder if you are genetically pre-disposed to diabetes, may get it any way, even if they are careful with their diets.

[Team Diabetes]

I also wonder if you are genetically pre-disposed to diabetes, may get it any way, even if they are careful with their diets.

You are talking about Type 2 diabetes (the common form related to obesity), right? Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and not related to diet.

I have seen estimates that at least 80% of Type 2 diabetes cases are directly caused by obesity and diet. Interestingly, I have also seen research that says that 20% of Type 2 diabetics are really late onset TYPE 1 diabetics (LADA) who are misdiagnosed. That said, that may mean that almost all Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed.

HOWEVER, there will always be cases where a person has a high genetic tendency to get Type 2 diabetes, and perhaps no amount of lifestyle intervention can stop it. I would think this is not common, however. The reality is, most people with Type 2 diabetes ARE overweight (even if they don't admit it), don't exercise, and don't follow a healthy diet. It happens that a thin person who is active still gets Type 2, but this is fairly rare. Often these adults really have a form of Type 1 diabetes.

I would say that less than 10% of Type 2 diabetics are "doomed" to get it no matter what they do. Perhaps the number is even less than 5%. The key for most to prevent or delay Type 2 is diet, weight loss if needed, and daily exercise for life.

Please, no one think that they are destined to be a Type 2diabetic. People who think this give up, and then...presto...they develop Type 2 diabetes.

There are always exceptions to the rule, but most cases *can* be prevented.

[Cassy]

I was referring to Type 2. Thank you for the statistical information. I am watching my weight, and diet. I plan to do all I can to try to keep myself healthy. My dad has type 2 and is not overweight. That was what made me question this.

[rumen]

What a nice explanation is given here, I am really interested in this problem as my little sister is facing this at the moment.

[Lorence]

These are very good information from you guys. It took me quite some time to read through all the posts but it's worth it! Keep them coming. Thank you for all the informations you guys unselfishly share. Cheers! :)

[manojjonam10]

Eating healthy food means food which don't produce a lot of unburned calories. So its better to have food which have high calorie content.

[Ammy]

Asthma is under control, Glad to hear stay healthy.
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