Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes in adults and a growing problem associated with the rise in obesity rates globally. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States¹ but can increase the risk of some of the more common causes of deaths, such as as heart disease, strokes and possibly even certain types of cancer. Type 2 diabetes is preventable with simple dietary and lifestyle changes being among the most effective ways to prevent it. The less common type 1 diabetes is not preventable. In order to prevent type 2 diabetes, it is important to understand some of the factors in the development of this condition. It is well known that obesity is a major risk factor in type 2 diabetes. This means that people who are obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people of a normal body weight. The risk is also greater with being sedentary, irrespective of body weight. Age, family history and tobacco smoking are other significant risk factors that increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ways to Prevent Diabetes Although type 2 diabetes is preventable, it cannot always be prevented. … Continue reading Preventing Diabetes (Diet and Lifestyle Diabetic Prevention Program)