Preventing and Treating Diabetes

Do you have risk factors for diabetes? Does diabetes run in your family? Or have you been told you have prediabetes? You can’t control everything that can affect your health, such as your age, genetics, or family history. But there is a lot you can do. Taking healthy steps can lower your risk, support your health and improve your quality of life, even if you already have diabetes. 

Healthy habits play a big role in preventing diabetes and managing it well. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods and staying physically activity can help slow or prevent the progression of prediabetes, support healthy blood sugar levels and may improve related conditions such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. These steps can also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

In some cases, medications may also be needed. Medications, used along with healthy habits, can help manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Together, these steps can lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems.

Diabetes care works best when you and your healthcare team work together. Your team can help you set personal goals and keep track of our important health numbers, including:

• Blood glucose (sugar)
• Body weight
• Lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Blood pressure
• Kidney health

Paying attention to these numbers helps guide care and may prevent future complications.

Healthy living tips for people with diabetes

Becoming healthier may feel overwhelming, but small steps can make a big difference. These tips can help you get started:

• Choose a healthy lifestyle: By focusing on balanced eating, regular physical activity, quitting smoking and managing stress, you can help prevent or delay diabetes complications and support your overall health.
  
  
• Know your numbers: Using home monitoring tools and having regular check-ins with your healthcare team can help you track your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. These numbers help show how well your care plan is working.
  
  
• Stay connected to your healthcare team: Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, including your eyes, feet, legs, kidneys and heart. Your healthcare team may include doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists or other specialists who can answer questions, adjust treatment and support your long-term health.