In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, while in type 2 diabetes the body does not respond properly to insulin. Both types of elevated blood sugar damage our bodies and can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, nerve problems and even blindness.
Even a 5-10% weight loss can improve blood sugar levels and reduce the need for medications for type 2 diabetes.more radical lifestyle changes — diet changes and more exercise — and Weight loss (obesity) surgery It can help you lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes in some people.
Type 1 diabetes, caused by an autoimmune reaction against a part of the pancreas, is irreversible. work About treatment.
Millions of Americans Have Diabetes Yet Haven’t Been Diagnosed. 1 minute CDC Risk Tool It will help you decide whether you need to undergo such tests. You can also talk to your doctor about testing. Common tests either look at your blood sugar directly (Blood Glucose) or measure your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months (Hemoglobin A1c).
Tests may show that you have diabetes or prediabetes. Pre-diabetes means that blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Think of it as a traffic light yellow. Without lifestyle changes, there is a significant risk of developing diabetes.
Diagnosis is a “go all in” moment
Whenever one of my patients is diagnosed with diabetes, I think of it as an “all out” moment. Not only for our clinical team, but also for our patients and their families. This is because the first few weeks after diagnosis are critical for establishing new patterns, from eating habits to tracking blood sugar levels to managing medications.
Medications for type 2 diabetes help the body use insulin better and rid the body of excess glucose. If it is high, insulin or injections are also prescribed. It may take time for you and your doctor to find the best medicine to treat your diabetes.
In recent years, many new antidiabetic drugs have been launched. Glucagon-like peptide 1-based therapies (such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide) not only lower blood sugar levels, but also slow digestion and aid weight loss.
If you already have diabetes, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re using the best combination of medicines. Would you like to?” Raising that question could be the first step toward reversing diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be cured without drugs
We know that type 2 diabetes can be reversed. In a UK study known as the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), showed that Patients were able to bring their blood sugar levels below diabetic levels, and about one-third of patients maintained their control for at least two years without medication.
Study participants had to commit. Initially, all diabetes medications were discontinued and his diet replaced with a strict diet of 800 calories a day. The meals were mostly healthy shakes. Real food was then gradually reintroduced, and patients were supported to maintain weight loss by nutritionists, nurses, and coordinated workbooks.
If this sounds intense to you, it is. But it’s the same with injecting insulin every day. For me, the most important lesson from the DiRECT trial is how important it is to find a nutritional plan that you can stick to over the long term.
Anyone who has tried to lose weight knows that maintaining it is the hardest. My advice is to think about what nutritional changes you can sustain over years instead of weeks.
a mediterranean diet probably the strongest long-term scientific evidence Supports use in type 2 diabetes. derived from plants A vegetarian diet has also been shown to be effective in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Low-carb (including “keto”) diets and intermittent fasting are less scientifically backed, but some work. You should discuss these options with your dietitian or doctor.
Diabetes management is prevention itself
My father has had type 2 diabetes for over 30 years and was able to get it under control and never needed to start insulin. , there are great benefits to successfully managing the disease.
we”The ABCs of Diabetes‘: keep his A1c, or average blood sugar, below 7. his blood pressure; and his cholesterol.
Keeping blood sugar levels at or near target levels helps protect the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
My father is on medication per ABC and we are always looking for opportunities to reduce his medication through better diet and more exercise.
Prevention is better than reversal
I have a strong family history of type 2 diabetes. Along with her father, each of her four grandparents also suffered from her type 2 diabetes. While some people may have their decks stacked like this, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
It’s important to eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat, sweets, and refined grains (such as white bread and pasta). Eating whole fruits (rather than juices or processed fruits) is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Sugary drinks such as sodas and juices should be rare luxuries, as are starchy snacks, ultra-processed foods such as chips and crackers, and packaged foods such as energy bars. Check the ingredient list if you are unsure. Switching to whole grains can also help, such as switching from white rice to brown rice.
Personally, I am a vegetarian and started a version of intermittent fasting a few years ago. With this, I only eat from noon to 9pm every day. It’s easier to stick to time-based cutoffs, and it’s helped me cut down on unhealthy snacking.
Physical activity is also important to how our bodies process sugar. Going to the gym is great, but walking, gardening, and dancing are all important too. When you enjoy exercising, you are less likely to do chores and more likely to keep doing it. some research Combining strength training with aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes more than either alone.
of National Diabetes Prevention Programis provided by many organizations, such as YMCAs nationwide, and is scientifically proven to help people develop healthy habits for nutrition and exercise. Depending on your age, weight, and test results, your doctor may also consider drugs such as metformin or semaglutide to prevent diabetes.
The preventive effect against diabetes is enormous.the study estimate Diabetes diagnosed at age 40 reduces life expectancy by 6 years. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — and a few birthdays.
Meet Doctor: Dave A. Chokshi (@davechokshi) is a primary care physician at Bellevue Hospital and a clinical professor at NYU. He previously served as New York City’s 43rd Health Commissioner.
