Type 1 Diabetes Prevention

Currently, there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, if you have diabetes already, you can reduce your risk for complications from this disease by keeping blood sugars within a normal range, keep your blood pressure and cholesterol low. This is done through a combination of insulin, a healthful diet, and regular exercise, and likely a medication for blood pressure and cholesterol. Talk with your doctor to determine what is a healthful blood glucose range for you (or your child).

In recent years, there has been some interest in identifying persons whose blood contains antibodies to pancreatic islet cells but who do not have symptoms or signs of diabetes. These individuals have been considered to be at higher risk for developing type 1 diabetes within months or years. A variety of very experimental treatments are underway to try to prevent the progression to diabetes. None of these treatments has yet been proven fully effective and safe, but several trials are underway.