<h2 class="sub-title">Prevention of diabetes can be carried out at every stage of our lives. In those who are at high risk, for example, those with a strong family history of diabetes or obese individuals who still have normal glucose tolerance, reducing risk factors can help prevent developing prediabetes. This is primordial prevention and applies to everyone</h2>
<p></p>
<div id="content-body-69601592" class="articlebodycontent col-xl-9 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12" itemprop="articleBody">
<p>There are an estimated 540 million people with diabetes globally, and 95% have type 2 diabetes, the majority of whom belong to developing countries. These numbers are projected to increase to 783 million by the year 2040. India has the second-largest number of people with diabetes in the world with nearly 101 million people currently affected. Today, diabetes is no longer a disease of the rich or older people or an urban phenomenon. Moreover, in addition to the large numbers with diabetes, there are another 136 million people with prediabetes, i.e., people ‘at-risk’ who are likely to develop diabetes soon. Unless an effective prevention and management strategy is developed, the prevalence of diabetes and associated complications will only increase in India. </p>
<p>Diabetes also poses a huge economic burden on our country. But more than the economic impact, it is the social impact of diabetes that is of greater concern. The age at onset of type 2 diabetes is progressively decreasing and the disorder now affects a significant number of adolescents and children. While it is bad enough if diabetes occurs at any age, its consequences when it affects the youth of the nation are not difficult to imagine. The onset of diabetes-related complications typically occurs 10 – 20 years after the disorder is first diagnosed. Thus, if the onset of diabetes occurs in individuals at 50 years of age, one needs to worry about its complications only around the age of 65 – 70 years. However, if the onset of diabetes occurs in individuals only around age 20, the possibility of people in their 30s and 40s developing complications of diabetes like kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks, or amputations is very high. This would be a disaster not only for the individual and his or her family but also for society and the nation as a whole. Thus, the adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is most applicable in the case of diabetes. </p>
<div class="also-read print-hide" data-ga-label="AlsoReadArticle">
<div class="element">
<div class="title">
									Explained | How can India tackle its diabetes burden?</div>
<div class="picture"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h4 class="sub_head">Prevention of diabetes – the need of the hour </h4>
<p>Prevention of diabetes can be undertaken at four levels as shown in the figure. </p>
<div class="article-picture ">
<div class="picture zoom-img "><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" fifu-data-src="https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1" data-original="https://i2.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg?ssl=1" alt="" class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"></div>
<p><span itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" itemscope="itemscope" itemprop="image"></span><meta itemprop="url" content="https://th-i.thgim.com/public/sci-tech/health/b17ixl/article69601569.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Diabetes.jpg"><meta content="1200" itemprop="width"><meta content="675" itemprop="height"></div>
<p>Primordial prevention<i></i>refers to a reduction of risk factors of diabetes such as obesity or physical inactivity, thereby decreasing the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes in the future. </p>
<p>Primary prevention<i></i>refers to prevention (or postponement) of diabetes in those in a pre-diabetes stage such as those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG). </p>
<p>Secondary prevention<i></i>refers to the prevention of complications of diabetes in those who have already developed diabetes. </p>
<p>Finally, the term tertiary prevention is used to describe limiting physical disability and preventing progression to end-stage complications in those who have already developed some complications of diabetes. </p>
<p>Although genetic factors undoubtedly play a major role, environmental factors contribute to over 50% of the T2D risk. Our research shows that excess consumption of white rice was strongly linked to a risk of type 2 diabetes due to the high dietary glycemic load. Replacing white rice with brown rice could improve blood glucose and insulin levels. Decreased physical activity is another driver of the diabetes epidemic. In the <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14710970/">Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES)</a>, we showed that 50% of new-onset T2D can be prevented just by modifying diet and increasing physical activity. </p>
<h4 class="sub_head">Importance of lifestyle modifications </h4>
<p>The importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases has recently taken center stage. The term ‘lifestyle’ includes our attitudes, habits, behaviours, physical activity (exercise), diet, and our reaction to stress. </p>
<p>Several randomised control studies in the U.S., Finland, China, and India have shown that diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle modification. </p>
<p><b>The 10 principles of lifestyle modification</b> </p>
<ul class="article-body article-bullet-list">
<li>
<p> Having adequate physical exercise </li>
<li>
<p> Having a healthy diet </li>
<li>
<p> Getting adequate sleep and sleeping on time </li>
<li>
<p> Giving up smoking 	 </li>
<li>
<p> Preventing obesity </li>
<li>
<p> Avoiding oral tobacco use </li>
<li>
<p> Moderating the use of alcohol 	 </li>
<li>
<p> Avoiding substance abuse </li>
<li>
<p> Practising deep breathing or other relaxation techniques </li>
<li>
<p> Yoga </li>
</ul>
<p>We shall discuss some of these in greater detail. </p>
<h4 class="sub_head">Increasing physical activity </h4>
<p>One of the strongest drivers of the diabetes epidemic is a marked increase in sedentary lifestyles, especially in urban areas. However, awareness of the importance of physical inactivity in the causation of diabetes remains low. In the <a rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587%2823%2900119-5/fulltext">ICMR – INDIAB study</a>, we showed that only 24.1% of people exercised regularly and achieved the World Health Organization recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Therefore, the promotion of physical activity in the community is a key step towards controlling the twin epidemic of diabetes and obesity. </p>
<p>Despite the growing evidence of the benefits of exercise, there are still only a few takers for exercise. The reasons are many. Many have ‘starting trouble’ and keep postponing the starting of a regular exercise programme. Even after people have begun, adherence to the exercise regime is even more challenging. While lack of knowledge and awareness about the benefits of exercise are often cited as the reason, lack of motivation appears to be the main issue. This is where doctors can play a crucial role. Specific instructions should be given to patients rather than giving general advice. E.g.: rather than just saying, “You need to exercise”, a doctor should be saying, “You would benefit very much from a brisk walk of at least 45 minutes six days a week”. Such instructions clearly outline the type and amount of time to be spent on the exercise. We need to encourage simple, routine lifestyle changes; tips like using the stairs instead of lifts or parking further from one’s destination and then walking the extra distance or walking to the nearby grocery store instead of using a vehicle. </p>
<p>In addition to the benefits of physical fitness with respect to reduced cardiovascular risk, regular exercise also lowers cholesterol, increases insulin sensitivity, and leads to a reduction in doses of insulin or tablets. Besides, exercise has an important effect on mental health as it releases ‘happy hormones’ i.e. ‘endorphins’ which have antidepressant effects and reduce anxiety and stress levels. Individuals who exercise regularly also report an improved sense of well-being and better self-esteem as their body shape improves. </p>
<div class="also-read print-hide" data-ga-label="AlsoReadArticle">
<div class="element">
<div class="title">
									Why is India not exercising enough? | In Focus podcast</div>
<div class="picture"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" fifu-data-src="https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1" data-original="https://i0.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/9wexal/article30928434.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/27VZ3OPENGYMSG3V760AV53jpgjpg?ssl=1" alt="" data-device-variant="SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE" class="media-object lazy adaptive placeholder lazy" width="100%" height="100%"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h4 class="sub_head">Eating healthy </h4>
<p>Diet is the mainstay of therapy for diabetes mellitus. When a person with diabetes neglects this important aspect of diabetes management, then his/her blood sugars become uncontrolled. </p>
<p>An ideal diabetic diet should: </p>
<ul class="article-body article-bullet-list">
<li>
<p> Be balanced and individualised. 	 </li>
<li>
<p> Be tailored to the patient’s age and weight, physical activity, family diet pattern, and physiological needs, and take into consideration the patient’s preference and food habits. </li>
<li>
<p> Ensure normal growth and development and attainment of ideal body weight. 	 </li>
<li>
<p> An obese patient should restrict calories through a reduction in the intake of carbohydrates and fats. </li>
<li>
<p> Ensure that food must be eaten not only at the appropriate time but also in appropriate amounts. </li>
<li>
<p> Cut down on refined and starchy food items such as white rice, wheat, maida, rava, white bread, potatoes, other tubers, processed foods, and red meat. </li>
<li>
<p> Include mainly high-fibre foods like whole grains, pulses, and all green vegetables. </li>
<li>
<p> Include 3-4 helpings of vegetables (preferably raw as salad) and fruits such as guava, apple, oranges, or papaya. </li>
<li>
<p> Always read labels and select foods that are low in sugar, fat, and salt. </li>
</ul>
<div class="also-read print-hide" data-ga-label="AlsoReadArticle">
<div class="element">
<div class="title">
									Consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods leading cause of diabetes in India, reveals new study</div>
<div class="picture"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" fifu-data-src="https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1" data-original="https://i1.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/8rsi3a/article68730194.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_Oklahoma_Fried_Onion_2_1_8RD9HAG4.jpg?ssl=1" alt="" data-device-variant="SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE" class="media-object lazy adaptive placeholder lazy" width="100%" height="100%"></div>
</div>
</div>
<h4 class="sub_head">Stress management </h4>
<p>The inability to manage our time properly leads to undue stress in our lives. Hence, time and stress management have become an integral component of lifestyle modification measures. The combination of diet, exercise, and behavioural modifications is the most effective approach to a healthier life. Behavioural approaches that teach patients to rearrange their daily schedules, support healthy eating habits, do regular physical activity as well as manage their time are important factors in reducing stress. <i>Pranayama</i> and meditation are very powerful tools to reduce stress and anxiety and help you remain calm and collected. </p>
<div class="also-read print-hide" data-ga-label="AlsoReadArticle">
<div class="element">
<div class="title">
									How should India tackle its diabetes load? </div>
<div class="picture"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" fifu-data-src="https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1" data-original="https://i3.wp.com/th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/j48cnr/article68903462.ece/alternates/SQUARE_80/IMG_blood_sugar_2_1_HUDJ9BP7.jpg?ssl=1" alt="" data-device-variant="SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE~SQUARE" class="media-object lazy adaptive placeholder lazy" width="100%" height="100%"></div>
</div>
</div>
<p>Prevention of diabetes can be carried out at every stage of our lives. In those who are at high risk, for example, those with a strong family history of diabetes or obese individuals who still have normal glucose tolerance, reducing risk factors can help prevent developing prediabetes. This is primordial prevention and applies to everyone. Not only can you prevent diabetes but also a host of other noncommunicable diseases. </p>
<p>If you are already at the stage of prediabetes, your risk of developing diabetes in the next few months or years is very high. At this stage, diet and exercise have been shown to prevent 35 – 60% of individuals from developing diabetes. This is the stage of primary prevention. </p>
<p>If you have already developed diabetes, by achieving the ABC targets, you can prevent complications from setting in. Here, A, B, and C refer to: </p>
<p><b><u>A</u></b>&#8211; Hb<b><u>A</u></b>1c or three months control test which should be kept below 7%</p>
<p><b><u>B</u></b> &#8211; <b><u>B</u></b>lood pressure control – At least below 140/90 mmHg if not much lower </p>
<p><b><u>C</u></b>&#8211; <b><u>C</u></b>holesterol, i.e. LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol which should be at least less than 100mg/dl, preferably much lower. </p>
<p>This is ample evidence that if the ABC goals of treatment are achieved, one can prevent almost all the complications of diabetes, and this stage is referred to as secondary prevention. </p>
<p>Finally, if someone has unfortunately developed some complications of diabetes, one can still attempt to slow down the progression to end-stage complications. Although rather late in the disease, tertiary prevention as it is called, is still necessary to limit disability and improve quality of life. </p>
<p>Diabetes, unlike many other disorders, is one where a lot can be done at every stage of its natural history. The time to act is now. </p>
<p><i>(Dr. Mohan is chairman, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai.)</i> </p>
<div class="articleblock-container" id="arthardpv"></div>
<div class="update-publish-time article-published-time-end"></div>
<div class="comments-shares share-page flex print-hide" data-artid="69601592" data-title="Prevention: tackling diabetes before it happens " data-url="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/prevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens/article69601592.ece">
<div class="left">
<div class="share">
<ul class="share-list bottom" style="display: none;">
<li class="copy-link" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; copytext('https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/prevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens/article69601592.ece');" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 Copy link </p>
</li>
<li class="email">
 Email </p>
</li>
<li class="facebook" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece&;t=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 Facebook </p>
</li>
<li class="twitter" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece&;text=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 Twitter </p>
</li>
<li class="telegram" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://t.me/share/url?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece&;text=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 Telegram </p>
</li>
<li class="in" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece&;title=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 LinkedIn </p>
</li>
<li class="whatsapp" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://api.whatsapp.com//send?text=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0%20-%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 WhatsApp</p>
</li>
<li class="reddit" onclick="if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; openShareLink('https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehindu.com%2Fsci-tech%2Fhealth%2Fprevention-tackling-diabetes-before-it-happens%2Farticle69601592.ece&;title=Prevention%3A%20tackling%20diabetes%20before%20it%20happens%C2%A0')" data-cf-modified-307910aea33640846e11c642-="">
 Reddit </p>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="right">
<div class="read-later"><button class="btn read-later-btn" data-articleid="69601592" style="display:none" data-ga-labelclick="ReadLater"><span>READ LATER</span></button></p>
<div class="delete-tool-tip" style="display: none;"><span class="delete bookmarkdelete"><br />
 Remove<br />
 </span><br />
 SEE ALL
 </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="spliter pt-0 mb-0 print-hide"></div>
<div class="article-ad two-side text-ad print-hide">
<div class="ad-text" id="artproduct2" style="display: none;"></div>
</div>
<p><script data-cfasync="false">var totalPcount = document.querySelectorAll(".articlebodycontent>p")
if(totalPcount.length > 1)
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[1],createElementScript("div","","artmeterpv"))
else
 insertElementbegin(document.querySelector(".articlebodycontent"),createElementScript("div","","artmeterpv"))
</script></p>
<div class="d-none d-lg-block d-xl-block"><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_AT_Mid01", minHeight: '90px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[1 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid01, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">userIdentify.then(function() if(isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser()) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_AT_Mid01');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid01, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_Inarticle_1x1", minHeight: '250px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[3 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/Hindu_Desktop_Inarticle_1x1, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">userIdentify.then(function() if(isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser()) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_Inarticle_1x1');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/Hindu_Desktop_Inarticle_1x1, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("large") && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_AT_Mid02", minHeight: '90px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[6 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid02, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid02', [728, 90], 'Desktop_AT_Mid02').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_AT_Mid02');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid02, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("large") && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_AT_Mid03", minHeight: '90px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[9 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid03, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid03', [728, 90], 'Desktop_AT_Mid03').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_AT_Mid03');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid03, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("large") && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_AT_Mid04", minHeight: '90px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[12 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid04, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid04', [728, 90], 'Desktop_AT_Mid04').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_AT_Mid04');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid04, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("large") && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Desktop_AT_Mid05", minHeight: '90px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[15 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid05, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("large")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid05', [728, 90], 'Desktop_AT_Mid05').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("large") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Desktop_AT_Mid05');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Desktop_AT_Mid05, publisher: The Hindu --></div>
<div class="d-block d-sm-none "><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "MWeb_AT_Middle01", minHeight: '280px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[1 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle01, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">userIdentify.then(function() if(isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser()) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('MWeb_AT_Middle01');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle01, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "Mweb_Inarticle_1x1", minHeight: '250px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[3 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_Mweb_Inarticle_1x1, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">userIdentify.then(function() if(isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser()) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('Mweb_Inarticle_1x1');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_Mweb_Inarticle_1x1, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("small") && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "MWeb_AT_Middle02", minHeight: '280px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[6 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle02, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle02', [[300, 250], [336, 280]], 'MWeb_AT_Middle02').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(6) && totalPcount.length >= (5 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('MWeb_AT_Middle02');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle02, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("small") && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "MWeb_AT_Middle03", minHeight: '280px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[9 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle03, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle03', [[300, 250], [336, 280]], 'MWeb_AT_Middle03').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(9) && totalPcount.length >= (8 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('MWeb_AT_Middle03');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle03, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("small") && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "MWeb_AT_Middle04", minHeight: '280px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[12 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle04, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle04', [[300, 250], [336, 280]], 'MWeb_AT_Middle04').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(12) && totalPcount.length >= (11 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('MWeb_AT_Middle04');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle04, publisher: The Hindu --><script data-cfasync="false">
 totalPcount = totalPcount || [];if (totalPcount.length > 0 && isDeviceEnabled("small") && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) var container = document.createElement("div");
 container.className = "article-ad";container.appendChild(createElementScript("div", "dfp-ad articleinlinead", "MWeb_AT_Middle05", minHeight: '280px'));
 insertElementEnd(totalPcount[15 - 1], container)
 </script><!-- Begin DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle05, publisher: The Hindu --><script type="307910aea33640846e11c642-text/javascript">if (totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) if (isDeviceEnabled("small")) 
 googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.defineSlot('/22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle05', [[300, 250], [336, 280]], 'MWeb_AT_Middle05').addService(googletag.pubads());
 );
 userIdentify.then(function() if (isDeviceEnabled("small") && isNonSubcribedUser() && totalPcount.length > 0 && Number.isInteger(15) && totalPcount.length >= (14 + 3)) googletag.cmd.push(function() 
 googletag.display('MWeb_AT_Middle05');
 );
 );</script><!-- End DFP : /22390678/TH_MWeb_AT_Middle05, publisher: The Hindu --></div>
</div>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>

Prevention: tackling diabetes before it happens Premium
