There are different types of diabetes; the three most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Strong international evidence shows diabetes prevention programs can help prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 58 per cent of cases. You can do a lot to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, read our tips below or watch this video from Medibank Private where Associate Professor Tim Crowe explains more.

Type 1 Diabetes

Currently type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, researchers are looking into the autoimmune process and environmental factors that lead people to developing type 1 diabetes to help prevent type 1 diabetes in the future.

Type 2 Diabetes

Evidence, including large-scale randomised control trials, shows type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in up to 58 per cent of cases by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food choices
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Not smoking.

Many people don’t know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can read more about assessing your risk in our article Diabetes: Are you at risk? and take the Diabetes Australia risk calculator.

Queensland Health provide the My Health for Life program for people at high risk of diabetes. Activate Physiotherapy run a free health program from our locations across Brisbane.