Health Information
Type 1 Diabetes
Prevention
Currently there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but ongoing studies are exploring ways to prevent diabetes in those who are most likely to get it. People who have a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes and are willing to participate in one of these studies should talk with their doctors.
Preventing diabetes complications
People who have type 1 diabetes can help prevent or delay the development of complications by keeping their blood sugar in a target range. They also need regular medical checkups to detect early signs of complications. If complications are treated early, the damage may be stopped, slowed, or possibly reversed.
People who have other health problems along with diabetes, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, need to treat those conditions. Also, not smoking can reduce the risk of complications. Having other health problems can increase the risk for complications from diabetes.
Preventing disease
When you have diabetes, you need a flu 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) vaccine every year. You also need a hepatitis B (Hep B) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) vaccine.
You also need a pneumococcal shot. Your doctor can help you choose between the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) or the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).
You may need or want additional immunizations if certain situations raise your chance for exposure to disease.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference September 11, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology |
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