Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition. For this reason, it is not directly preventable.

Pancreatic cell destruction remains confusing for medical science and although patients with type 1 diabetes may be identified based on risk factors and other markers, a system of type 1 diabetes mellitus prevention has not yet been identified.

Prevention of pre-diabetes

For patients with pre-diabetes who risk developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is substantial evidence that intervention to alter lifestyle can significantly reduce risk. Lifestyle intervention that change diet and exercise have been shown to play a role in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 prevention

At this stage, the level of funding for mass participation remains elusive. Stopping smoking, exercising regularly and losing weight all lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Some medication has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes amongst high-risk cases, including metformin. Preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus on a wide scale means changing attitudes to food consumption and physical activity.

These fundamental societal changes could undoubtedly lower incidences of type 2 diabetes mellitus.