Prevention & Cures for Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong disease defined by having high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. If left untreated, diabetes can have serious complications on your health. Though there is no cure, some types of diabetes are preventable and highly treatable. In some cases, people can have pre-diabetes, which is a reversible condition.

Prevention

• You cannot prevent type 1 diabetes, but simple lifestyle changes can stop type 2 and prediabetes. Diet is the most important aspect of preventing diabetes. A diet that consists of low calorie, low fat foods--such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains--is best. People who get a lot of physical exercise also cut down the risk of developing diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, people should aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day. Even light activity such as bike riding or walking can help.

Weight Loss and Medication

• People who are even slightly overweight have an elevated chance of developing diabetes. According to Mayo Clinic, a weight loss of 5 percent can really cut down the risk of getting the disease. A permanent change in eating and exercise habits can help with this goal. Another option for people with high blood sugar, but not diabetes, is medication. Certain drugs such as Glucophage and Avandia will help cut the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle change is a more effective prevention.

Treatment

• Once diabetes develops there is no cure, but with the proper lifestyle changes and medication you can manage the disease. People with diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar levels many times a day. In order to live a healthy life, people with diabetes will need to receive insulin. You can inject insulin yourself daily or get a mechanical pump that automatically dispenses insulin implanted on your body.