Ready for some good news about diabetes? Although type 2 is the most common form, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), in many cases it can be prevented or at least postponed.

In type 2 diabetes, the body fails to properly use insulin, which is necessary to take sugar from the blood to the cells. Those with pre-diabetes, a condition in which the body is becoming insulin-resistant, are at greatest risk for pre-diabetes is to measure your abdomen at its largest point.

If your abdomen is larger than 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men, as measured above the waist at the hip bone, ask your doctor to test you for pre-diabetes.

If you are pre-diabetic, you may still reduce your risk of getting diabetes by losing weight, exercising and eating right..

People can make a huge difference in their lives by recognizing they're on a bad path.

Lose Weight

A Study by Australian researchers published in June's Diabetes Care found that body mass index (BMI) was the strongest predictor of the risk of developing diabetes over the next eight years for women in their late 40s.

We know that as BMI goes up and waist circumferece goes up, your risk for diabetes continues to increase.

That's because fat cells, especially those in the abdomen, secrete several hormones that promote inflammation, and the inflammatory process creates insulin resistance.

For the average person, if your BMI is above 27, it's time to lose weight.. I emphasize the effectiveness of modest exercise and modest weight loss, in preventing diabetes. You don't have to lose 150 pounds. It's about making small, consistent changes.

Exercise

Insulin regulates blood sugar levels, and people who are at risk for diabetes often have insulin resistance, a condition that causes blood sugar to rise and worsens over time. Exercise is key to reversing that process..

Exercise has been proved to improve resistance so that the body becomes more sensitive to insulin, and blood sugar remains more normal. Both aerobic and resistance exercise are beneficial. Resistance exercise, such as working out with weights or bands, helps improve the body's insulin sensitivity, as does aerobic exercise, which also helps lower blood sugar.

Increase your physical activity! Yes, that means moving out of the chair and spending less time in front of the TV. There are small activities you can do to increase your physical activity. Turn the radio on and boogie while working on your household chores. Teach your kids how to dance the way you did when you were their age.

If you are at work, instead of sending e-mail to your co-worker, walk over to their desk and deliver the message in person. Take walks; it's a great way to keep up with your friends and an enjoyable, healthy way to take a break. Avoid the elevator and take the stairs as much as you are comfortable in doing that. One friend of mine marches in place during each commercial while she is watching TV. Don't circle the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot, park as far out as you feel comfortable in walking. Not only will it increase your activity level, but it also may save your car from a few dings.

We know that people who are at risk for diabetes who walk briskly 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and lose about 10 pounds, their risk drops by about 58%.

Eat Right

Minimizing foods that cause big fluctuations in blood sugar, such as white bread and white rice, and replacing them with high-fiber complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole-wheat pasta, helps stabilize insulin levels. There's also evidence that eating more of those foods might keep you feeling fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories. Limit your desserts, and when eating out, have a good-sized vegetable salad to take the edge off your appetite. When you receive your entrée, either share it with your dinner companion, or ask for a take-home box immediately after receiving your meal. Have meals that have been stir fried, or make with a nonstick spray.