How can diabetes be prevented or managed

Diabetes is one of the four main noncommunicable diseases and together with cancer, heart attacks and strokes, and lung disease is responsible for 1.7 million deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region every year. Diabetes is a pandemic that remains hidden throughout most of the world, with up to half of all people with diabetes globally remaining undiagnosed. WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.

In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 14% of the population has diabetes. People with diabetes generally have one of two forms:

Type 1, where people do not produce their own insulin and require insulin injections for survival.

Type 2, where people do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use the insulin their body produces, and require lifestyle adjustments and oral medication. This is the more prevalent form (comprises some 90% of all cases), and people with type 2 diabetes are characteristically overweight and sedentary.

Ineffective management of both types of diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, impotence, amputations and infections. The potential impact of simple diet modifications and increased physical activity on preventing and improving diabetes is huge. Individuals and families, governments and civil society groups can all take action to change current unhealthy behaviours, in order to reduce diabetes.

In many instances, lifestyle changes must be accompanied by medications to control blood glucose levels, high blood pressure and cholesterol. This complementary regimen may also prevent heart attack and stroke.

Diabetes can be successfully managed. Work with your health care team to set personal goals. And be sure to monitor your critical health numbers, including your:

• Blood sugar level
• Weight
• Blood cholesterol level
• Blood pressure

Taking these steps may also help prevent serious complications that can arise from diabetes.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.

Diabetes is a ‘silent’ disease in its early stages, and you may feel perfectly well until complications occur. However, a late diagnosis can result in serious and irreversible complications that could have been otherwise prevented through health screening. Detect diabetes early by checking your risk now.

I am 18 – 39 years old

Take just 2 minutes to complete the Diabetes Risk Assessment (DRA) and find out your risk of developing diabetes.

I am 40 years old and above

Go for a subsidised blood glucose test under Screen for Life at $5 or less. Find out if you are eligible for subsidised screening via Singpass.

Prediabetes is the period before diabetes is diagnosed where blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Fortunately, progressing from prediabetes to diabetes is not inevitable. There are many actions you can take to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Start with these 6 tips:

1. Cut sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Examples of refined carbohydrates include white bread, potatoes and many breakfast cereals. Instead, limit sugar and choose complex carbohydrates such as vegetables, oatmeal and whole grains.
2. Quit smoking if you are a current tobacco user. Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Quitting has been shown to reduce this risk of type 2 diabetes over time.  
3. Watch your portions. Avoiding large portion sizes can help reduce insulin and blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. Eating too much food at one time has been shown to cause higher blood sugar and insulin levels in people at risk of diabetes.
4. Aim for 30. Try to be intentionally active by taking a walk, dancing, lifting weights or swimming for 30 minutes, five days per week. If you get no or very little physical activity—and you sit during most of your day—then you lead a sedentary lifestyle, and it's time to get moving. 
5. Drink water. Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Sticking with water most of the time helps you avoid beverages that are high in sugar, preservatives and other unneeded ingredients. 
6. Eat fiber. Getting plenty of fiber is beneficial for gut health and weight management. Consuming a good fiber source at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help reduce your risk of developing diabetes. 

Related articles

Be Well

Breastfeeding tips for the holidays

Tue, Nov 29 2022

Breastfeeding during the holidays? Use these tips to help you maintain your milk supply, reduce stress, and keep you and your baby happy and healthy.

Be Well

How to manage holiday stress

Tue, Nov 29 2022

The holidays can be stressful. Here are some ways you can help limit stress for you and your family this holiday season.

Be Well

Help your teen become a safe driver

Tue, Jul 12 2022

Seventy-five percent of fatal teen car crashes involve reckless or distracted driving. Here's what you can do to keep yours safe.

Be Well

4 simple ways to connect with your kids

Tue, Jul 12 2022

It’s no secret why finding quality time with your kids is a challenge. Being a great parent and creating memories happens in everyday moments.

How can diabetes be prevented?

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable by taking several simple steps: keeping weight under control, exercising more, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.

How can diabetes be treated or managed?

If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to use insulin to treat your diabetes. You take the insulin by injection or by using a pump. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may have to use insulin or tablets, though you might initially be able to treat your diabetes by eating well and moving more.

What are three ways you can manage diabetes?

Know what to do every day..

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good. ... .

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. ... .

Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy..

Stop smoking. ... .

Keep track of your blood sugar..

What is the easiest way to manage diabetes?

10 Tips to Manage Diabetes.

Keep calm. Stress can cause your blood sugar to rise, according to the NIH. ... .

Drink in moderation. ... .

Adjust for your stage of life. ... .

Be aware that some medications may affect your diabetes. ... .

Brush up on your oral hygiene. ... .

Travel with a plan. ... .

Sweeten it yourself. ... .

Get vaccinated..