Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention Is Possible
Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the disease.
Dr. Camille Ferraud
Endocrinologist
A fasting glucose between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/L or HbA1c between 5.7-6.4% defines prediabetes. Without intervention, 30-50% progress within a decade.
Proven interventions
- 5-7% weight loss
- 150 minutes/week of moderate activity
- Mediterranean or DASH diet
- Adequate sleep
- Smoking cessation
Medical treatment
Metformin is first-line. GLP-1 analogs and SGLT2 inhibitors offer cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glucose lowering.
Screening
Adults over 40, especially with overweight, family history, or gestational diabetes history, benefit from periodic screening.
Diabetes is a continuum, not an on/off switch: small lifestyle gains have measurable effects.
Also read
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Type 1 Diabetes: A Lifelong Autoimmune Disease
Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes and most often appears in children and young adults.
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Hypothyroidism: Common, Treatable, Often Missed
An underactive thyroid affects 1-5% of adults. Symptoms are subtle, but treatment is simple and effective.
Diabetes & Endocrinology
Hyperthyroidism: When the Thyroid Races
Graves' disease is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid in adults under 50.