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Preventing diabetic complications

Preventing diabetic complications

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: Preventing diabetic complications

Prevention of the complications of diabetes Research suggests that Preventing diabetic complications high diabeetic glucose levels may affect the supply of blood complicatioons oxygen Preventing diabetic complications the tiny nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision changes or blindness. Save options. If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Minus Related Pages.
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If you are over 40 years old or have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease eg, family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or obesity , your doctor will likely prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication called a statin.

In people with diabetes, statins have been shown to decrease the future risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death, even when cholesterol levels are normal. See "Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High cholesterol and lipid treatment options Beyond the Basics ".

For some people with diabetes and heart disease, aspirin is combined with another antiplatelet medication. For people with diabetes who do not have heart disease, the decision to take low-dose aspirin should be based on the individual's risks for heart disease and bleeding.

Because aspirin can cause bleeding most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract , it may not be recommended for people at high risk of bleeding who do not have a history of angina or heart attack.

Your health care provider can talk to you about the risks and benefits of daily aspirin. See "Patient education: Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer Beyond the Basics ".

In people with type 1 diabetes, keeping glucose levels close to normal reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In people with type 2 diabetes, the relationship between glucose management and cardiovascular disease is less clear. However, glucose management remains a central part of diabetes care as it reduces the risk of eye, kidney, and nerve damage.

There are several eye problems related to diabetes. The most common affects the retina, a layer at the back of the eye; this is called "diabetic retinopathy. Other eye problems associated with diabetes include diabetic macular edema swelling of the central area of the retina that has the sharpest vision , glaucoma high pressure in the eyeball , and cataracts clouding of the lens of the eye.

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting retinopathy and other eye problems at an early stage, when the condition can be monitored and treated to preserve vision.

The initial eye exam can be performed by a doctor who specializes in the eyes called an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by a trained retinal photographer who takes photographs of the retina.

The eye doctor uses medicated eye drops to dilate your pupils so the retina can be completely examined. Pupil dilation is not required for the retinal photographs. The photographs are interpreted by an eye doctor or by a computer. If there is evidence of diabetic retinopathy on the retinal photographs, you will need to have a full dilated eye exam by the eye doctor.

The risk of diabetic retinopathy and the recommendations for monitoring vary depending on which type of diabetes you have:. People who have difficulty with their vision or require glasses or contacts may need to be seen sooner.

The reason for this is that blood glucose levels often increase over a period of several years before the person is diagnosed. Eye complications can develop during this time and often have no symptoms. Having an eye exam soon after diagnosis can help to determine if there are eye complications, the extent or severity of the complications, and if treatment is needed.

The frequency of subsequent exams will depend upon the results of the initial exam. Eye exams are usually recommended every one to two years after the first one.

In addition to keeping blood glucose levels in your target range, lowering your blood pressure if it is high can also help prevent eye-related complications.

See 'High blood pressure in diabetes' below. FOOT PROBLEMS IN DIABETES. Diabetes can decrease blood flow to the feet and damage the nerves that carry sensation; this nerve damage is known as "diabetic neuropathy.

Foot complications are very common among people with diabetes and sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms become severe.

See "Patient education: Diabetic neuropathy Beyond the Basics ". Although there is no way to reverse nerve damage once it has happened, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing serious foot problems as a consequence.

In addition to managing your glucose levels, doing regular exams to check for any changes in the feet also helps reduce the risk of serious foot problems. Self-exams and foot care — It is important to examine your feet every day.

This should include looking carefully at all parts of your feet, especially the area between the toes. Look for broken skin, ulcers, blisters, areas of increased warmth or redness, or changes in callus formation; let your health care provider know if you notice if any of these changes or have any concerns.

See "Patient education: Foot care for people with diabetes Beyond the Basics ". It may help to make the foot exam a part of your daily bathing or dressing routine.

You might need to use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet clearly. If you are unable to reach your feet or see them completely, even with a mirror, ask another person such as a spouse or other family member to help you.

It is important to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and wear cotton socks and comfortable, well-fitting shoes.

Clinical exams — During your routine medical visits, your health care provider will check the blood flow and sensation in your feet. The frequency of these clinical exams will depend on which type of diabetes you have:.

During each foot exam, your provider will look for changes such as ulcers, cold feet, thin skin, bluish skin color, and skin breaks associated with athlete's foot a fungal infection. They will also check the pulses and test the sensation in your feet to determine if these are normal or decreased.

If you have decreased pulses or sensation, this increases your risk for foot injuries. Diabetes can alter the normal function of the kidneys. Kidney problems related to diabetes are referred to as "diabetic kidney disease" or by the older term, "diabetic nephropathy.

See "Patient education: Diabetic kidney disease Beyond the Basics ". To monitor your kidney function, your health care provider will check your blood creatinine level and use this to calculate an estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, which measures how well your kidneys are working.

Your provider will also order urine tests to measure the amount of protein in your urine. When the kidneys are working normally, they prevent protein from leaking into the urine, so finding protein measured as albumin in the urine even in very small amounts may be an early sign of kidney damage.

These tests are usually checked once yearly. See "Patient education: Protein in the urine proteinuria Beyond the Basics ". Recommendations for when to begin regular urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio screening tests depend on which type of diabetes you have:.

If the test shows that there is protein in your urine, you can help slow the rate of progression by managing your blood glucose and your lipid cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

If you continue to have protein in your urine over time, your health care provider may prescribe a medication called an angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker ARB.

These medications can help decrease the amount of protein in the urine and slow the progression of kidney disease. These medications also help lower blood pressure; this is important as high blood pressure can speed up the development of kidney problems.

A class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 SGLT2 inhibitors lowers blood glucose and blood pressure and prevents worsening of kidney function in people with early kidney damage, especially when the urine albumin level is high. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN DIABETES.

Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure hypertension. Although high blood pressure causes few symptoms, it has two negative effects: it stresses the cardiovascular system see 'Cardiovascular complications in diabetes' above and speeds the development of diabetic complications of the eyes and kidneys see 'Eye complications in diabetes' above and 'Kidney complications in diabetes' above.

Your health care provider will check your blood pressure regularly to see if it gets too high. See "Patient education: High blood pressure in adults Beyond the Basics ". If you need to lower your blood pressure, your provider will probably recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, changing your diet to cut back on salt and processed foods and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains , quitting smoking if you smoke , and cutting back on alcohol.

Most people with type 2 diabetes also need to take medications to keep their blood pressure within the goal range. Your health care provider can talk to you about the benefits and risks of the different treatment options.

See "Patient education: High blood pressure, diet, and weight Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in adults Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High blood pressure, diet, and weight Beyond the Basics ", section on 'Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH eating plan'.

PREGNANCY AND DIABETES. Managing blood glucose and monitoring for any complications is especially important for people who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible before and during pregnancy decreases the risk of many complications in both the pregnant person and the baby.

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Where in the body can the long-term consequences of diabetes develop? Wexler Preventing diabetic complications. Any change in your complocations should be taken seriously. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications. Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.
Preventing diabetes complications Quitting may appear to be an exceedingly difficult task, but many healthcare providers and hospitals have access to smoking cessation programs that support the individual behaviorally, emotionally, and physically. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. Kidney disease nephropathy. High blood pressure and elevated blood lipids can also impair the function of the vessels. Early detection of eye disease can prevent complications of diabetes. For people with diabetes who do not have heart disease, the decision to take low-dose aspirin should be based on the individual's risks for heart disease and bleeding.
Prevention of the complications of diabetes

Gestational diabetes. Newly diagnosed. Medication management. Lifestyle management. Management and self-care. Latest diabetes news. Type 2 risks Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed. Assess your risk of developing diabetes. CANRISK test. Preventing diabetes.

Meal planning. Dining out. Healthy eating. Weight management. D-Camps Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed. Summer camps Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed. Camp Kakhamela, British Columbia.

Camp Jean Nelson, Alberta. Camp Kornder, Saskatchewan. Camp Briardale, Manitoba. Camp Discovery, Ontario. Camp Huronda, Ontario. Camp Lion Maxwell, Nova Scotia. Camp Morton, Nova Scotia. Camp Douwanna, Newfoundland and Labrador. Family camps Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed.

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Corporate recognition. Leave a legacy for Diabetes Canada Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed. Gift in your will bequest. Gift of securities.

Registered retirement funds. Life insurance. Professional advisor section. Give a legacy gift for a lasting impact. My diabetes fundraiser.

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Diabetes deep dives. Diabetes open hours. How 2 type 1. Virtual Diabetes Education Program. Diabetes Canada Podcasts. Contact us.

Donate clothing. Framework for Diabetes in Canada. Le Cadre sur le Diabète. The rights of people living with diabetes Toggle for Nested Menu Items - sub menu closed. To prevent this, talk with your doctor about addressing the main risk factors:.

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. People with diabetes are 1. Diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.

This increases your chances of developing serious eye conditions like:. Make sure to schedule regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist. Any change in your vision should be taken seriously.

Early detection of vision problems can prevent serious problems. For example, early detection of diabetic retinopathy, for example, can prevent or postpone blindness in 90 percent of people with diabetes.

Damage to nerves and circulation problems caused by diabetes can lead to foot problems, like foot ulcers. You can prevent these issues with proper foot care. Here are some steps you can take:. Neuropathy is one of the most common diabetes complications. There are different kinds of diabetic neuropathy.

If blood sugar levels remain high over a long period of time, damage to the vagus nerve can occur. The vagus nerve is the nerve that controls the movement of food through the digestive tract.

This is another kind of autonomic neuropathy. Gastroparesis happens when the vagus nerve is damaged or stops working.

When this happens, the stomach takes longer than it usually does to empty its contents. This is called delayed gastric emptying. Gastroparesis can make it more difficult to manage blood glucose levels since food absorption is less predictable.

The best way to prevent gastroparesis is to manage your blood sugar levels over time. Try to avoid eating high fiber, high fat foods , as they take longer to digest. Eating small meals throughout the day instead of fewer large meals can also help prevent gastroparesis.

Not monitoring and managing blood sugar levels or blood pressure can lead to kidney disease. There are different risk factors associated with kidney disease. Genetics plays a part, so if you have a family history of kidney disease, talk with your doctor.

Some of the symptoms of kidney disease are so common they can be overlooked, like weakness or sleep problems. For people with type 2 diabetes, the most common sign is protein in the urine. Talk with your doctor to schedule regular visits to check for protein.

But they do know that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing certain conditions, including anxiety, stress, and depression. Diabetes can be stressful and emotionally draining. Ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional experienced in working with people with diabetes.

You should also consider taking an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication if your doctor recommends it. Researchers are still trying to understand the connection between dementia-related conditions and type 2 diabetes.

Research has shown some associations with an increased risk for the following cognitive conditions:. A study found that having diabetes at a younger age may increase the likelihood of developing dementia.

More research needs to be done to determine all of the reasons for this association. A study seemed to indicate that people living with type 2 diabetes were 36 percent more likely to develop vascular dementia than those without diabetes.

In poorly managed diabetes, small blood vessels often become damaged. This includes the small blood vessels that help nourish your teeth and gums, which puts you at increased risk of tooth decay, gum infections, and periodontal disease.

According to the American Dental Association, periodontal disease occurs in 22 percent of people with diabetes. To reduce your risk of dental issues, see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. Brush your teeth with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, and floss at least once a day.

You can prevent long-term effects of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes, medications, and being proactive about your diabetes care. Assemble a healthcare team and schedule regular checkups. Your primary care physician can help you understand which specialists you should be visiting on a regular basis.

Early treatment can help prevent diabetes-related complications. You can still live a long life free of complications with type 2 diabetes. Greater awareness of the risk factors is the key to reducing the impact of diabetes on your body. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. New research is showing that drinking more coffee may help decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Learn more about coffee and diabetes here…. The early signs of type 2 diabetes can include extreme thirst, extreme hunger, and frequent urination.

Learn more about other early warning signs. Diabetes can increase your risk of several eye diseases, including glaucoma. Learn how diabetes can increase this risk and the steps you can take to…. New research suggests that logging high weekly totals of moderate to vigorous physical activity can reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney….

Kelly Clarkson revealed that she was diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, during an episode….

If left untreated or improperly Natural herb-based products, diabetes can lead to a variety of complication, Preventing diabetic complications heart attack, stroke, kidney diabehic, blindness, complicatipns with erection impotencePreventing diabetic complications diaebtic. Preventing diabetic complications disease is a digestive disorder that appears complicattions be more common in people with type 1 diabetes than in the general population. Many people living with diabetes have some form of eye damage or "diabetic retinopathy". Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision changes or blindness. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes may develop heart disease 15 years earlier than those without diabetes. High blood pressure also known as hypertension along with diabetes puts added stress on your body. Preventing diabetic complications

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Ways to Avoid Diabetes Complications (Conditions A-Z)

Preventing diabetic complications -

In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, most people with diabetes will also need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication. If you are over 40 years old or have multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease eg, family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or obesity , your doctor will likely prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication called a statin.

In people with diabetes, statins have been shown to decrease the future risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death, even when cholesterol levels are normal.

See "Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High cholesterol and lipid treatment options Beyond the Basics ". For some people with diabetes and heart disease, aspirin is combined with another antiplatelet medication. For people with diabetes who do not have heart disease, the decision to take low-dose aspirin should be based on the individual's risks for heart disease and bleeding.

Because aspirin can cause bleeding most frequently in the gastrointestinal tract , it may not be recommended for people at high risk of bleeding who do not have a history of angina or heart attack.

Your health care provider can talk to you about the risks and benefits of daily aspirin. See "Patient education: Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer Beyond the Basics ". In people with type 1 diabetes, keeping glucose levels close to normal reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the relationship between glucose management and cardiovascular disease is less clear. However, glucose management remains a central part of diabetes care as it reduces the risk of eye, kidney, and nerve damage. There are several eye problems related to diabetes.

The most common affects the retina, a layer at the back of the eye; this is called "diabetic retinopathy. Other eye problems associated with diabetes include diabetic macular edema swelling of the central area of the retina that has the sharpest vision , glaucoma high pressure in the eyeball , and cataracts clouding of the lens of the eye.

Regular eye exams are essential for detecting retinopathy and other eye problems at an early stage, when the condition can be monitored and treated to preserve vision.

The initial eye exam can be performed by a doctor who specializes in the eyes called an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by a trained retinal photographer who takes photographs of the retina. The eye doctor uses medicated eye drops to dilate your pupils so the retina can be completely examined.

Pupil dilation is not required for the retinal photographs. The photographs are interpreted by an eye doctor or by a computer. If there is evidence of diabetic retinopathy on the retinal photographs, you will need to have a full dilated eye exam by the eye doctor.

The risk of diabetic retinopathy and the recommendations for monitoring vary depending on which type of diabetes you have:. People who have difficulty with their vision or require glasses or contacts may need to be seen sooner. The reason for this is that blood glucose levels often increase over a period of several years before the person is diagnosed.

Eye complications can develop during this time and often have no symptoms. Having an eye exam soon after diagnosis can help to determine if there are eye complications, the extent or severity of the complications, and if treatment is needed. The frequency of subsequent exams will depend upon the results of the initial exam.

Eye exams are usually recommended every one to two years after the first one. In addition to keeping blood glucose levels in your target range, lowering your blood pressure if it is high can also help prevent eye-related complications.

See 'High blood pressure in diabetes' below. FOOT PROBLEMS IN DIABETES. Diabetes can decrease blood flow to the feet and damage the nerves that carry sensation; this nerve damage is known as "diabetic neuropathy.

Foot complications are very common among people with diabetes and sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms become severe. See "Patient education: Diabetic neuropathy Beyond the Basics ". Although there is no way to reverse nerve damage once it has happened, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing serious foot problems as a consequence.

In addition to managing your glucose levels, doing regular exams to check for any changes in the feet also helps reduce the risk of serious foot problems. Self-exams and foot care — It is important to examine your feet every day.

This should include looking carefully at all parts of your feet, especially the area between the toes. Look for broken skin, ulcers, blisters, areas of increased warmth or redness, or changes in callus formation; let your health care provider know if you notice if any of these changes or have any concerns.

See "Patient education: Foot care for people with diabetes Beyond the Basics ". It may help to make the foot exam a part of your daily bathing or dressing routine. You might need to use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet clearly. If you are unable to reach your feet or see them completely, even with a mirror, ask another person such as a spouse or other family member to help you.

It is important to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and wear cotton socks and comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Clinical exams — During your routine medical visits, your health care provider will check the blood flow and sensation in your feet.

The frequency of these clinical exams will depend on which type of diabetes you have:. During each foot exam, your provider will look for changes such as ulcers, cold feet, thin skin, bluish skin color, and skin breaks associated with athlete's foot a fungal infection.

They will also check the pulses and test the sensation in your feet to determine if these are normal or decreased. If you have decreased pulses or sensation, this increases your risk for foot injuries. Diabetes can alter the normal function of the kidneys.

Kidney problems related to diabetes are referred to as "diabetic kidney disease" or by the older term, "diabetic nephropathy. See "Patient education: Diabetic kidney disease Beyond the Basics ". To monitor your kidney function, your health care provider will check your blood creatinine level and use this to calculate an estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, which measures how well your kidneys are working.

Your provider will also order urine tests to measure the amount of protein in your urine. When the kidneys are working normally, they prevent protein from leaking into the urine, so finding protein measured as albumin in the urine even in very small amounts may be an early sign of kidney damage.

These tests are usually checked once yearly. See "Patient education: Protein in the urine proteinuria Beyond the Basics ".

Recommendations for when to begin regular urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio screening tests depend on which type of diabetes you have:. If the test shows that there is protein in your urine, you can help slow the rate of progression by managing your blood glucose and your lipid cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

If you continue to have protein in your urine over time, your health care provider may prescribe a medication called an angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker ARB.

These medications can help decrease the amount of protein in the urine and slow the progression of kidney disease. These medications also help lower blood pressure; this is important as high blood pressure can speed up the development of kidney problems.

A class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 SGLT2 inhibitors lowers blood glucose and blood pressure and prevents worsening of kidney function in people with early kidney damage, especially when the urine albumin level is high.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN DIABETES. Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure hypertension. Although high blood pressure causes few symptoms, it has two negative effects: it stresses the cardiovascular system see 'Cardiovascular complications in diabetes' above and speeds the development of diabetic complications of the eyes and kidneys see 'Eye complications in diabetes' above and 'Kidney complications in diabetes' above.

Your health care provider will check your blood pressure regularly to see if it gets too high. See "Patient education: High blood pressure in adults Beyond the Basics ". If you need to lower your blood pressure, your provider will probably recommend lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, changing your diet to cut back on salt and processed foods and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains , quitting smoking if you smoke , and cutting back on alcohol.

Most people with type 2 diabetes also need to take medications to keep their blood pressure within the goal range. Your health care provider can talk to you about the benefits and risks of the different treatment options.

See "Patient education: High blood pressure, diet, and weight Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in adults Beyond the Basics " and "Patient education: High blood pressure, diet, and weight Beyond the Basics ", section on 'Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension DASH eating plan'.

PREGNANCY AND DIABETES. Managing blood glucose and monitoring for any complications is especially important for people who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start. Consider these tips. Lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.

Prevention is especially important if you're currently at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes because of excess weight or obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes — high blood sugar that doesn't reach the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis — lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of disease.

Making a few changes in your lifestyle now may help you avoid the serious health complications of diabetes in the future, such as nerve, kidney and heart damage.

It's never too late to start. Losing weight reduces the risk of diabetes. More weight loss will translate into even greater benefits. Set a weight-loss goal based on your current body weight. Talk to your doctor about reasonable short-term goals and expectations, such as a losing 1 to 2 pounds a week.

Plants provide vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates in your diet. Carbohydrates include sugars and starches — the energy sources for your body — and fiber. Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, is the part of plant foods your body can't digest or absorb.

Fiber-rich foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy, fiber-rich foods, which include:.

Avoid foods that are "bad carbohydrates" — high in sugar with little fiber or nutrients: white bread and pastries, pasta from white flour, fruit juices, and processed foods with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

Fatty foods are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation. To help lose and manage weight, your diet should include a variety of foods with unsaturated fats, sometimes called "good fats.

Unsaturated fats — both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — promote healthy blood cholesterol levels and good heart and vascular health. Sources of good fats include:. Saturated fats, the "bad fats," are found in dairy products and meats. These should be a small part of your diet.

You can limit saturated fats by eating low-fat dairy products and lean chicken and pork. Many fad diets — such as the glycemic index, paleo or keto diets — may help you lose weight.

There is little research, however, about the long-term benefits of these diets or their benefit in preventing diabetes. Your dietary goal should be to lose weight and then maintain a healthier weight moving forward. Healthy dietary decisions, therefore, need to include a strategy that you can maintain as a lifelong habit.

Making healthy decisions that reflect some of your own preferences for food and traditions may be beneficial for you over time. One simple strategy to help you make good food choices and eat appropriate portions sizes is to divide up your plate.

These three divisions on your plate promote healthy eating:. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening with diagnostic tests for type 2 diabetes for all adults age 45 or older and for the following groups:. Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your doctor.

He or she will appreciate your efforts to prevent diabetes and may offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.

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Request Appointment. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control. Products and services. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Robertson RP. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Accessed April 12, American Diabetes Association. Prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes —

Diabetes complcations damage comllications vessels Anti-inflammatory diets lead to heart disease and stroke. You can do a duabetic to prevent heart disease Preventing diabetic complications stroke Preventing diabetic complications managing your disbetic glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels; and by not smoking. Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood glucose drops too low. Certain diabetes medicines make low blood glucose more likely. You can prevent hypoglycemia by following your meal plan and balancing your physical activity, food, and medicines. Testing your blood glucose regularly can also help prevent hypoglycemia. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can result from diabetes.

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