The key is to prevent the diverticulosis from developing. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in dietary fat is thought to decrease the risk of diverticulosis. Once diverticula form, there are no other ways known to prevent the disease.
Most people will recover without long-term health effects. However, because diverticulosis still exists, the disease can occur again. If it happens many times, surgery may be needed to remove part of the colon.
Severe cases may also lead to other serious complications, such as:
Death may also occur.
The disease is not catching and poses no risk to others.