| Diabetes |
| Preventing Type
2 Diabetes |
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By
Amy Adams, MS
Reviewed by Jeremy Walston, MD
Last updated September 15, 2000
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If you have Type 2 diabetes
in your family, then you are at a higher risk for developing
the disease than the general population. Because of
the serious long-term consequences of diabetes, it is
important to detect the disease early in order to prevent
or delay damage to your heart, kidney, nerves, blood
vessels, or eyes.
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Prevention
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| The
best way to prevent diabetes is to exercise regularly
and maintain a body weight that is appropriate for
your height |
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The best way to prevent diabetes is to exercise regularly and maintain a body weight that is appropriate for your height. Studies have determined weight guidelines that minimize the risk of obesity-related diseases such as
Type 2 diabetes. However, some people have such a strong genetic predisposition for diabetes — or for obesity — that weight loss and exercise cannot prevent the disease. (For recent news about preventing Type 2 diabetes, see Related News below.)
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| Current Areas of Research |
Preventing Type 2 diabetes is an active area of research, particularly because of the increasing number of people who are developing the disease. Recent studies have found evidence that two drugs used to lower cholesterol levels — statins and ACE inhibitors — may have the added benefit of lowering a person's risk of developing diabetes. These trials both need to be repeated in a larger group of people before doctors can start using either drug as prevention for diabetes.
Another study is looking at whether a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes (metformin) might also be able to prevent the disease. This drug is being tested in people who have already begun to show signs of insulin resistance, but have not yet developed diabetes. It will be several years before results from this trial are available. (For recent news about using metformin to reduce diabetes risk, see Related News below.)
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Participate
in Research
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If
you have Type 2 diabetes, or have diabetes in your family,
you may be eligible to participate in medical trials.
Participating in research studies gives you the chance
to try new approaches to both preventing diabetes and
alleviating some of the long-term consequences. In addition,
you help others by furthering the medical and scientific
communities' understanding of Type 2 diabetes.
To learn more about clinical trials, visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease of the National Institute of Health.
You can also learn about opportunities for research in Type 2 diabetes by registering for MyGeneticHealth. In addition to research opportunities, we provide you with easily digestible summaries of the latest research and medical developments, tailored to convey the news that's pertinent to you and your family.
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References
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American Diabetes Association (1999). Clinical Practice
Recommendations 1999. Diabetes Care (Suppl. 1),
22, S1-S114.
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