preventing diabetes

Overview

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. The most common type is type 2 diabetes, where your body doesn't use insulin properly or doesn't make enough. Preventing type 2 diabetes is possible with healthy lifestyle changes.

Yes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. It affects millions of adults and increasingly younger people.

It can affect anyone, but you are at higher risk if you are older, have a family history, are living with overweight or obesity, or have been physically inactive.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling more thirsty than usual
• Urinating more often
• Feeling tired or weak
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing cuts and bruises

Symptoms in children

• Dark patches on the skin (for example, on the neck or armpits)
• Feeling very thirsty
• Unusual hunger
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms in older adults

• Being very tired and having low energy
• Frequent infections
• Confusion or changes in thinking
• Dry, itchy skin

Causes

Main causes

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and cannot be prevented.
• Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough.
• Your genes can increase your risk, but lifestyle factors like diet and activity play a big role.

Risk factors

• Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Being over 40 (or over 25 if you are of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern background)
• Living with overweight or obesity, especially around the waist
• Being physically inactive
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any symptoms of diabetes such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, or unintentional weight loss, see a doctor within a few days.
• If you have very high blood sugar readings and feel unwell.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are aged 40 or over and haven't had a diabetes check, ask about it.
• If you have any risk factors, discuss a blood test with your doctor.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will take a blood sample to measure your blood sugar levels. Sometimes an oral glucose tolerance test is used.

Tests that may be done

• Fasting blood sugar test
• HbA1C blood test (average blood sugar over 3 months)
• Oral glucose tolerance test (blood sample after a sugary drink)

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor or nurse will explain the results and what they mean. If your blood sugar is higher than normal but not in the diabetes range, they may call it 'prediabetes' and talk with you about prevention.

Treatment

Preventing diabetes does not usually require medicines. The main treatment is lifestyle change. Your healthcare provider can help you make a plan.

Self-care at home

• Move more every day, for example brisk walking or cycling.
• Lose a small amount of weight if you carry excess weight (5–7% of your body weight is enough to help).
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit sugary drinks and highly processed snacks.

Medical treatments

For some people at very high risk, a healthcare provider may discuss medicines that can help lower blood sugar, but these are not a substitute for lifestyle changes. Any medicine must be prescribed and monitored by your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery may be considered for some people with severe obesity to reduce diabetes risk, but it is only offered after other efforts have been tried and only within specialist services.

Living with this condition

If you have been told you are at risk of diabetes, check your blood sugar as recommended by your team, keep up with appointments, and make small daily choices you can stick with.

Lifestyle tips

• Build activity into your routine, like taking the stairs.
• Plan meals ahead and cook from fresh ingredients.
• Sleep well and manage stress, as both affect blood sugar.

Diet and exercise

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Follow a simple plate method: half vegetables, a quarter protein, a quarter starchy foods. Stay hydrated with water.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Learning you are at risk of diabetes can feel scary or overwhelming. It's normal to feel this way. Talking to a friend, family, or your healthcare team can help.

Prevention

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. For type 2, healthy eating, activity, and weight control are the most powerful tools.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine to prevent any form of diabetes. It is still important to stay up to date with other recommended vaccines, as infections can affect blood sugar control.

Screening programmes

Screening means having a blood test to check for diabetes if you have no symptoms but have risk factors. Ask your healthcare team if you should be screened, especially if you are over 40 or have other risks.

Complications

If left untreated

• If type 2 diabetes is not prevented or managed, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves.
• This can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, eye damage, and foot complications.

Long-term outlook

The good news is that diabetes prevention works. Many people with prediabetes never go on to develop diabetes if they get support and make changes. Even if you develop diabetes, early management helps you live a long, active life.

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