Type 1 Diabetes Prevention

It’s not preventable right now, but researchers are working on it

Written by Daphne E. Smith-Marsh PharmD, CDE | Reviewed by W. Patrick Zeller MD

Currently, there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Researchers are still

working to fully understand what causes or triggers type 1; without fully
understanding that, it’s difficult to prevent the disease.

Type 1 diabetes isn’t like type 2 diabetes, which at times can be prevented by
taking good care of your body—watching your diet and staying physically fit and
active. You can learn more about type 2 prevention in our article.

With type 1 diabetes, you can stave off or prevent the short-term and long-term
complications of the disease. By reading our article on type 1 complications,
you can learn more about how to stave off or even avoid eye, nerve, kidney, and
heart disease.

Type 1 Diabetes Facts and Tips

Written by Lisa M. Leontis RN, ANP-C
Type 1 diabetes can also be called insulin-dependent diabetes because people
with type 1 must take insulin in order to live.

Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes because it was diagnosed

mainly in children. However, that name is no longer accurate because children
are increasingly developing another type of diabetes—type 2 diabetes. Also, it
is possible for adults to be diagnosed as type 1, so the name “juvenile diabetes”
isn’t accurate.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes type 1 diabetes, although they have
some clues, including genetics and environmental triggers.

Researchers have noticed that more cases of type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in
northern climates, leading them to suggest that environmental triggers play a
role in the development of type 1. Specifically, viral infections (which happen
more often in colder northern climates where people are in close proximity) may
trigger type 1.

Type 1 diabetes is far less common than type 2: about 90% of people with diabetes
have type 2.

With tight blood glucose control, you can avoid many of the short- and long-
term complications associated with type 1 diabetes, including foot problems and
nerve pain.

Exercise is an important part of keeping diabetes under control.

• Many famous people have type 1 diabetes, including: Jay Cutler (quarterback for
the Chicago Bears), Billie Jean King, Ron Santo (Chicago Cubs player), Halle
Berry, Mary Tyler Moore, and Nick Jonas.

Adapted from: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/type-1-diabetes-prevention