Ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes

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ATLANTA, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Diabetes affects about 26 million in the United States, but the older people get, the higher their risk of being diagnosed with diabetes, officials say.

Nilka Rios Burrows, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said there are things people can do to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes.

"Number one, exercise regularly. Two, lose weight. And three, eat a healthy diet," Burrows said in a statement.

Those age 45 and older and those with risk factors for type 2 diabetes should be tested every three years for type 2 diabetes.

Burrows said those with type 2 diabetes should also be "seeing a doctor regularly."

"Controlling your blood sugar, your blood pressure and your cholesterol. And getting dilated eye exams, foot exams and flu shots annually," she said. "So talk to your doctor about how you can manage and take control of your diabetes."