Diabetes Prevention

Type 2 diabetes is preventable. With the right lifestyle choices, you can significantly lower your risk — even if diabetes runs in your family.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar (glucose) is too high. Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves, kidneys, eyes, and the heart. Southeast Asian communities, including Khmer, face higher-than-average rates of Type 2 diabetes. This is partly due to genetic factors, but also because our traditional high-rice diet can raise blood sugar more than many people realize.

Prevention Strategies

Lose 5–7% of body weight if overweight. Exercise at least 150 minutes per week. Eat less white rice and sugary drinks. Get your blood sugar tested annually after age 35. Even short daily walks after meals — 10 to 15 minutes — can meaningfully lower blood sugar levels over time.

Know Your Numbers

Fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL is normal. 100–125 mg/dL is prediabetes. 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. Talk to your doctor about an A1C test. If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, know that it is reversible — lifestyle changes alone have been shown to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.