Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention Is Possible
Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the disease.
Dr. Camille Ferraud
Endocrinologist
In simple terms
Type 2 diabetes affects over 460 million adults. Modest weight loss reduces incidence by more than half.
What you need to remember
- Screening — Adults over 40, especially with overweight, family history, or gestational diabetes history, benefit from periodic screening.
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.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Blood sugar
- The amount of sugar circulating in your blood, your body's main fuel.
- Cardiovascular
- Related to the heart and blood vessels.
- Screening
- A check-up done before you feel ill, to catch a problem early.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention Is Possible?
- Type 2 diabetes affects over 460 million adults. Modest weight loss reduces incidence by more than half.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention Is Possible?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Type 2 Diabetes: Prevention Is Possible?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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