Preventing Diabetes

Diabetes may run in your family, but even so, healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent it, expecially a healthy diet and regular exercise. Even if you've already been diagnosed with diabetes, the same healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent potentially serious complications.

  • Eat healthy foods. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Get more physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
  • Lose excess pounds. If you're overweight, losing even 10 pounds can reduce the risk of diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits.

Even if medication is an option for you, healthy lifestyle choices remain essential.