Many risk factors, such as age, race and family history, cannot be changed. Changing other factors, however, can lower the chances of developing diabetes. To help delay or prevent diabetes, people should:

• Reach and maintain a healthy body weight
  
  
• Choose a good diet rich in high-fiber plant foods, without excess calories and low in saturated fats, trans fats, starches and sugars
  
  
• Be active and exercise regularly (as advised by a physician)
  
  
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
  
  
• Avoid smoking
  
  
• Limit use of alcohol
  
  
• Manage stress
  
  
• Take medications or follow other treatments as prescribed by a physician

For individuals who are in one of the high-risk groups for diabetes, it is even more important to follow these recommendations. Lifestyle habits usually are passed from parents to children. By maintaining a lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise, the parents will be helping themselves and future generations.