Can diet and weight control prevent diabetes ...?

in people with a family predisposition? I ask because my father and grandfather (both of normal weight) are diabetic and I am concerned about developing it. I am looking for hard data on this if anyone has it, because I know the common sense answers already.

It depends on what kind of diabetes they have. Some forms of diabetes, such as MODY, Type 1 diabetes, and specific genetic forms of Type 2 diabetes cannot be prevented. African Americans sometimes develop a rare form of Type 1 diabetes called "Idiopathic" or Type 1B diabetes.

Although about 80% of Type 2 cases can be prevented (the majority), 20% cannot. Type 1 is never preventable, as it is an autoimmune disease. MODY is a rare genetic form of diabetes that also is not preventable.

If they are normal weight and have always followed a healthy lifestyle, then they may very well have a non-preventable form of diabetes. Genetic and/or antibody testing can tell you if you are at risk as well for these forms. If it turns out that you have markers for MODY or Type 1 diabetes, unfortunately, there is no way to prevent them, but at least you can catch it early with regular screening before you get very sick.

Type 2 diabetes can *often* be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, but a strong family history or high genetic dispostion may override your best efforts.

Lastly, if it is Type 2 that runs in your family, make sure that you really *are* at a normal and healthy weight. Nowadays, since many people are obese, being overweight is the new "normal". Your body does not see it that way, however!

If you have a father with Type 2, the risk for you to get it is about 50%. You will need to work extra hard to follow a healthy lifestyle.

I have a family history of diabetes and from my understanding as long as you are aware of your family history you should always be checked out. Early detection is the best way/ I have been getting my blood sugar, blood pressure checked at least once a year. While you're at it get your mammagram at the same time.

Despite being of normal weight you can still get diabetes. HOWEVER, there's a study that shows that a spare tire can be a predictor of future diabetes. The reason why normal weight people can get it is if they have a sedentary life-style, meaning they have much less muscle mass but enough fat to create that tire and still be "normal weight". Also, you can be consuming huge amounts of sweets and never get diagnosed with diabetes.
Personally, I don't follow the weight charts and instead really try on keeping fat off (diabetes runs in my family also).

The best thing to do is exercise and try to maintain a healthy diet. Keep your weight down and that will help.

My grandmother and father have diabetes. I was on medication (including insulin) for diabetes, myself, but with diet and daily exercise, I'm totally off all medications for diabetes, and my fasting blood sugars in the morning are usually in the 80s and 90s, which is normal. I wish I'd been in this kind of good control before. It would've prevented 6 years of medication.

I believe that diet, exercise and weight control can prevent or delay the onset of type II diabetes. I have it myself. It is also my understanding that if I can lose enough weight (I am working very hard on this now) I can control diabetes through diet and exercise with no medication. I don't have any hard data but your doctor can probably verify this.