The first step towards preventing diabetes is managing your weight. Excess weight increases the risk of insulin resistance which is the primary cause of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, an unhealthy diet consisting of processed foods and sugary drinks can also contribute to weight gain and raise your risk for type 2 diabetes. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables while avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks will help you keep your weight in check while providing essential nutrients for overall health. Regular physical activity is another important factor in reducing the risk of developing diabetes. Exercise helps regulate blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and helping burn off excess calories from food intake throughout the day. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise if possible for optimal results in controlling glucose levels in the body. It’s also important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly if you have any family history or other factors that might increase your risk for diabetes such as being overweight or having a sedentary lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about what types of tests they recommend and how often they should be done so that you can detect any signs or changes early on before they become more serious issues down the line. Finally, quit smoking if you’re currently doing it as smoking has been linked with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes due to its effects on insulin sensitivity in the body over time. If quitting smoking isn’t an option right away, then look into reducing how much you smoke each day until eventually eliminating it completely from your life altogether. Ultimately, following these prevention guidelines will go a long way towards lowering everyone’s chances of developing this serious health condition — one step at a time!