Prevention:

Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent type 2 diabetes.

Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

There is no effective screening test for type 1 diabetes in people who don't have symptoms.

Screening for type 2 diabetes and people with no symptoms is recommended for:

• Overweight children who have other risk factors for diabetes starting at age 10 and repeating every 2 years
• Overweight adults (BMI greater than 25) who have other risk factors
• Adults over 45, repeated every 3 years

To prevent complications of diabetes, visit your health care provider or diabetes educator at least four times a year. Talk about any problems you are having.

Regularly have the following tests:

• Have your blood pressure checked every year (blood pressure goals should be 130/80 mm/Hg or lower).
• Have your glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) checked every 6 months if your diabetes is well controlled, otherwise every 3 months.
• Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked yearly (aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL).
• Get yearly tests to make sure your kidneys are working well (microalbuminuria and serum creatinine).
• Visit your ophthalmologist (preferably one who specializes in diabetic retinopathy) at least once a year, or more often if you have signs of diabetic retinopathy.
• See the dentist every 6 months for a thorough dental cleaning and exam. Make sure your dentist and hygienist know that you have diabetes.
• Make sure your health care provider inspects your feet at each visit.

Stay up-to-date with all of your vaccinations and get a flu shot every year in the fall.