Scientists are currently working hard to develop methods for diabetes prevention. It is known that type-2 diabetes can be prevented through diet and exercise; however researchers are looking for ways to prevent type-1 diabetes as well. Since type-1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas, the diabetes prevention studies are usually centered on finding ways to prevent further destruction of the “islet cells”. Clinical trials are also being performed on people who are at high risk for the disease. According to MayoClinic.com, you can find out more information about the studies on diabetes and prevention from TrialNet, which conducting studies on the genetic causes of the disease.
Recently CBS news released a story about a Winnipeg doctor who wants to give a vitamin to newborns with a high risk of developing Type 1 diabetes to possibly prevent them from developing the disease. The doctor, whose name is Dr. Shayne Taback, is a pediatric endocrinologist. He and his team have been testing the idea that high doses of vitamin D could bring about prevention of diabetes.
This is not without merit, as many prevention diabetes studies have shown a connection between vitamin D deficiencies and the development of diabetes and also the reduction of the disease when the vitamin has been administered in clinical trials. Although they must be cautious in furthering their studies, Dr. Taback’s colleague, Dr. Chantal Mathieu does recommend that any one that has an autoimmune disease which runs in their family avoid letting young family members lack vitamin D in their diets.
Diabetes 2 Prevention
Prevention from diabetes type 2 is much more feasible from that of type 1. It takes some extra care, self-control, and attention, but is often achievable. Methods for diabetes prevention in type 2 involve adopting lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and increasing physical activities. These two lifestyle changes are the most important, but losing excess weight and lowering your blood pressure levels also help.
New studies are also showing that various types of diabetes medications may help along diabetes prevention, as long as those taking it are living a healthy lifestyle. One clinical trial, for example, showed that the risk of diabetes could be reduced by 31% if the drug Metformin was used along with diet and a healthy lifestyle. The study also showed that the risk of diabetes could be reduced by 58% simply by a person intensively changing their lifestyle with avid nutrition, joining an exercise program, etc.
