What can I do to prevent myself from getting diabetes?

It is a tired old joke to answer this question by saying, “Choose your
parents wisely!” Obviously you are stuck with who you have as
parents, and so your genetic risk is already set for you. As I will
discuss in answer to another question, there are no effective ways to
prevent someone from getting type 1 diabetes at the present time.
But if you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes (and really all of us
are at some risk of getting type 2 diabetes when we get older), the
best way to prevent it is to live a healthy life. Eat a healthy balance
of types of food. Keep your weight close to ideal. Get regular exercise. Find time to do things that are relaxing and fun. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink alcohol to excess.

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