Diabetes prevention strategies
There are three levels of prevention in diabetes control: primary prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of diabetes; secondary prevention aims to prevent the development of complications in diagnosed diabetes patients; and tertiary prevention aims to reduce the progression of existing diabetes complications, lower the disability and mortality rates, and improve the patients’ quality of life.
How to prevent diabetes
For high-risk diabetes patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), that is, patients who have already experienced glucose abnormalities but have not yet reached the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, many studies have shown that providing intensive lifestyle interventions can significantly delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle intervention group recommends patients to consume a low-fat diet (fat accounted for <25% of total calories), and if weight loss does not reach the standard, total calorie restriction is implemented. In the lifestyle intervention group, 50% of patients lost 7% of their weight, and 74% of patients could persist with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Lifestyle intervention for 3 years could reduce the risk of IGT patients progressing to diabetes by 58%.
Therefore, it is recommended that IGT patients reduce the risk of diabetes through diet control and exercise, and regularly follow up to ensure compliance. Regular blood sugar checks are performed, and cardiovascular disease risk factors (such as smoking, hypertension, and lipid disorders) are closely monitored and appropriately treated.
Diabetes prevention strategies In the United States
In the United States, a comprehensive approach has been adopted to prevent the onset and progression of diabetes, acknowledging the substantial health and economic implications this chronic condition has on both individuals and the nation. Public health campaigns spearheaded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are pivotal in educating the public about the benefits of healthy lifestyles, emphasizing balanced diets and regular physical activity as key strategies to mitigate the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The integration of preventive care within the U.S. healthcare system is increasingly emphasized, with healthcare providers actively counseling patients on lifestyle modifications that can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes. This includes comprehensive guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and weight management. Furthermore, policy and legislative actions, such as the expansion of coverage for preventive services under the Affordable Care Act, have facilitated broader access to diabetes and prediabetes screenings, thereby enhancing early detection and intervention.
Community-based interventions supported by the CDC and other organizations are instrumental in fostering healthier environments. These initiatives range from improving access to nutritious foods in underserved areas to creating more opportunities for physical activity and reducing exposure to environmental health hazards. Worksite wellness programs offered by many employers in the U.S. not only improve employee health but also contribute to a reduction in the risk of diabetes through health screenings, weight management programs, and stress reduction initiatives.
School-based programs are crucial in promoting healthy behaviors among the younger population, focusing on nutrition education, physical education, and the establishment of healthy food environments within schools. Additionally, research and innovation driven by institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are continuously advancing our understanding of diabetes causes and prevention strategies, informing both policy and clinical practice.
Collaborative efforts involving partnerships with non-profit organizations, private companies, and international bodies further amplify the impact of these prevention strategies, leveraging diverse resources and expertise to maximize the effectiveness of diabetes prevention initiatives across the nation. These collective efforts are geared towards fostering a society where healthy choices are not only accessible but also actively promoted, ultimately aiming to decrease the incidence of diabetes and enhance the overall health of the population.
