TeenHealthFX - Answers - Lowering My Risk For Diabetes

Diabetes And Blood Sugar Issues / Question
Published: June 22, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I recently found out that both sides of my family have a history of diabetes. So, I know I may be at risk for getting diabetes as well. Is there any way to prevent or lower my risk for getting diabetes?

Signed: Lowering My Risk For Diabetes

Dear Lowering My Risk For Diabetes,

TeenHealthFX is impressed that you are thinking about this issue. For anyone who has a family history of any kind of disease or condition, it is very helpful and smart to think about whether any preventative measures can be taken to avoid dealing with that disease or condition, themselves.

You did not mention whether your family members suffer from type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. If your family members have type 1 diabetes, it is important for you to know that there is currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. If someone has type 1 diabetes they can help prevent or delay the development of complications (such as eye, kidney, heart, blood vessel and nerve diseases) by keeping their blood sugars near normal levels. Once diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a person can discuss with their doctor how to do this.

There are, however, things you can do to help prevent type 2 diabetes. These prevention methods focus mainly on healthy lifestyle choices including:

· Eating health foods. Include foods in your diet that are low in fat and calories. Focus on including fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Strive for variety in the healthy food choices you make to prevent yourself from feeling bored with a healthy diet.

· Be physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. You could take walks, ride a bike, or go swimming. You could also consider joining some school or town sports teams where you can get exercise in through practices and games.

· Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, work with your doctor on coming up with a healthy goal weight, as well as a plan to make long-term changes to your eating and exercise habits. If you are at a healthy weight, eat right and exercise to help maintain it.

· Don’t smoke.

· Medications. In certain situations, doctors may choose to use oral diabetes drugs to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In addition to helping to prevent type 2 diabetes, eating healthy foods, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and refraining from smoking can also help you to maintain a healthy heart, have more energy, and feel better about yourself (and much more!). So adhering to these four rules are general recommendations for overall good health.

If you have any more questions or concerns about your overall physical well-being and what you can do to maintain good health, speak with your primary care physician or an adolescent medicine specialist. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

For more information you can also see the American Diabetes Association webpage on How To Prevent Or Delay Diabetes.

Signed: TeenHealthFX