Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Can Diet And Exercise Cure Type 2 Diabetes

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Cut The Carbs Reduce Your Blood Sugar And Insulin Levels

Is diet and exercise effective for type 2 diabetes treatment?

While sugar is the bodys preferred form of fuel, we are equally well-equipped to burn fatboth dietary fat and stored body fatfor fuel. And when we decrease carbohydrate intake, thats exactly what happens.

Heres how the carbohydrate/blood sugar connection works: when we eat carbs, our bodies rapidly convert them into sugar, which can hit the bloodstream in as little as 15 minutes if theyre simple carbs like sugars and starches. This causes blood sugar to spike. Once blood sugar gets to a certain level our bodies produce insulin, which signals our muscles to take in more glucose to clear it out of our blood, our kidneys to eliminate excess sugar through urine, and more. It also tells our bodies to store excess blood sugar as fat, and we gain weight.

The more sugar in our blood, the more insulin our bodies must produce to counteract it. When we consistently eat a high-carb diet, as most Americans do, our bodies must produce more and more insulin to keep blood sugar stable. Eventually this leads to insulin resistance, which means that the signal gets lost in translation somewhere and our bodies lose the ability to clear all that excess sugar from our blood. And as we all know, consistently high blood sugar levels are the definition of type 2 diabetes.

However, results arent necessarily instantaneous. Depending on how long you have been diabetic, it may take as little as three or four months or as long as a year to eighteen months to see real results.

What Is Needed To Cure Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes happens when the body doesnt make insulin at all, or very little of it. The bodys immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for making insulin. A cure for T1D needs to do two things:

  • Stop the immune system from destroying the pancreas cells that make insulin

  • Replace the cells that have been lost

  • So far, there is no treatment that does this. The best treatments we have are medications and devices that do the pancreas job of making insulin. But that job is easier said than done. Insulin works in a very fine balance with other hormones to respond to the foods you eat. The right amount has to be released at the right time.

    This is why it is so important if you have Type 1 diabetes to check blood sugars often, know what you eat, and take the right amount of insulin medication. You need to make sure you get enough insulin, but too much can be deadly: Low blood sugar is a true medical emergency.

    Managing your blood sugar can be tough in diabetes treatment plans because youre trying to copy a complicated system that the body uses to keep blood glucose in a very tight range at all times. Many things are happening in the background that people without diabetes take for granted.

  • Pancreas transplants are major and very risky surgeries. Like all major surgeries, there are risks of severe complications such as infections, bleeding, and even death.

  • About 8% of patients who get a pancreas transplant will get diabetes again.

  • How To Lower Blood Sugar With Diet

    What happens if you remove foods that raise your blood sugar from your diet? Is there anything good left to eat? We think so. In fact, we have a whole guide on the best foods to control diabetes.

    But a picture is worth a thousand words. These are just a few of the delicious foods that dont raise blood sugar for just about everyone:

    Many people with type 2 diabetes are now choosing a diet based primarily on low-carb foods, and many clinicians are catching on as well.14

    A person with type 2 diabete will often notice that, starting with the first meal, their blood sugar improves. The need for medications, especially insulin, is usually dramatically reduced. Substantial weight loss and health marker improvements often follow.15 Finally, people usually feel better and have more energy and alertness. 16

    Choosing foods low in carbs is an effective way to help you control your blood sugar and is safe for most people. However, if you are taking medications for your diabetes, you must work with your healthcare provider to adjust your medications when you change your diet since the need for medications, especially insulin, may be greatly reduced.17

    If you are looking for a doctor who will work with you to control your diabetes with a change in diet, our map may help you find one.

    Also Check: The Diabetes Code Prevent And Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

    Make Changes That Count

    “The term ‘reversal’ is used when people can go off medication but still must engage in a lifestyle program in order to stay off,” says Ann Albright, PhD, RD. She’s the director of diabetes translation at the CDC.

    Shedding extra pounds and keeping them off can help you better control your blood sugar.

    For some people, reaching a healthier weight will mean taking fewer medications, or in rarer cases, no longer needing those medications at all.

    Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight and building up to 150 minutes of exercise a week may help you to slow or stop the progress of type 2 diabetes.

    “If you sit most of the day, 5 or 10 minutes is going to be great,” Albright says. “Walk to your mailbox. Do something that gets you moving, knowing that you’re looking to move towards 30 minutes most days of the week.”

    Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed

    Can Exercise Cure Type 2 Diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes can be a life-long, chronic disease in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells in out body doesnt respond to insulin correctly. Because of these two problems, there isnt enough insulin to move the glucose from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the bodys cells cant function properly.

    Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur in people who are over the age of 40, overweight, or have a family history in diabetes. Certain ethnic and racial groups also have higher risk for type 2 diabetes, including black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American and Pacific Islander. However, over the past decade the incidence of type2 diabetes has been increasing in adolescents and the young adult population.

    According to recent research, type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but individuals can have glucose levels that return to non-diabetes range, or pre-diabetes glucose level The primary means by which people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission is by losing significant amounts of weight.

    We talk of remission and not a cure because it isnt permanent. The beta cells have been damaged and the underlying genetic factors contributing to the persons susceptibility to diabetes remain intact. Over time the disease process reasserts itself and continued destruction of the beta cells ensues. An environmental insult such as weight gain can bring back the symptomatic glucose intolerance.

    Recommended Reading: Is Type 2 Diabetes Serious

    Can I Reverse Diabetes With Exercise Alone

    Regular exercise is important because it can improve your bodys sensitivity to insulin: when your muscles are active, they use up sugar as a source of energy, which prevents the sugar from building up in your blood. In fact, physical exercise can be as powerful as some medications, with fewer side effects.

    Other health benefits of getting your body moving regularly are stronger bones, improved blood pressure, increased energy and potential weight loss. Here are some good types of exercise to consider when you have diabetes.

    But exercise alone is not enough to reverse or cure diabetes. Those who have experienced the most success in turning back the clock on their disease have done so through a combination of exercise, diet and regular blood sugar monitoring.

    Type 2 Diabetes Medications

    Many people with type 2 diabetes may not need medications at first. If caught early enough,changing your lifestyle by modifying your diet and increasing exercise can be enough to control and eliminate the disease altogether.

    While many people may feel it is not ideal, starting medications for type 2 diabetes is common. As described above, this disease can become very dangerous if it is not well controlled. It is therefore very important to regularly take all medications your doctor prescribes. Your doctor may recommend oral medications in addition to the recommended lifestyle changes. In advanced cases of type 2 diabetes, insulin injections may be required as well.

    Recommended Reading: Best Sweetener For Baking For Diabetics

    Type 2 Diabetes Diet Conclusion

    Prevention through a proper diet is important to avoid possible health complications.

    You will reduce chances of getting diabetes, if you do not have it, and if you are among the patients, you will alleviate many symptoms of diabetes.

    No effort is in vain with a proper type 2 diabetes diet you will significantly improve your health .

    Talk To Your Doctor Before Starting A Liquid Diet

    Super Diet for Diabetics – How to Reverse & Cure Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

    If your doctor prescribes you a liquid diet, theyll go over what liquids you can have, and how long you should be on it. Make sure you follow their instructions carefully.

    If you want to go on one for weight loss, talk to your doctor first about whether a liquid diet is appropriate for you. Pregnant or nursing women, and people who take insulin for diabetes, or anyone with a chronic illness shouldn’t go on a liquid diet.

    If your doctor gives you the OK to go on one, you should also see a registered dietitian, who can go over it with you and make sure you’re getting enough calories and nutrition. Your dietitian might recommend that you take a vitamin or nutritional supplement while you’re on the liquid diet.

    Before you choose a liquid diet plan, know what you’re drinking. If you’re considering one of the commercial diets, look at the daily values on the nutrition facts label. Be sure you’re getting 100% of all the recommended vitamins and minerals.

    Look for a diet that is not too low in calories and contains plenty of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full while you lose the weight gradually. Liquid diets that include a solid meal or two per day, or that teach you healthier eating habits, will be more likely to help you keep the weight off in the long run.

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    Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

    Diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood test. The most common test you may hear about is blood glucose, which is a measure of your blood sugar at the current moment you have it checked. A fasting blood glucose is usually used to make the diagnosis of diabetes.

    However, blood sugars that are greater than 200 mg/dl taken at anytime are also typically indicative of the disease. Everyone with diabetes should regularly check their blood sugars to ensure they are staying well controlled.

    Hemoglobin A1c is another blood test that can be used to both diagnose diabetes and track whether an individual’s diabetes is getting better or worse over time.

    HbA1c is a marker of the average blood sugar over the past few months. A HbA1c greater than 6 is usually diagnostic of diabetes. Type 2 diabetics that are able to get their hemoglobin A1c less than 6 may successfully be in remission from the disease.

    If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you should work with a diabetes educator to help get you started on learning how to best manage and treat the disease.

    Diagnosis Classification And Etiology Of Diabetes

    Currently, the American Diabetes Association recommends the use of any of the following four criteria for diagnosing diabetes: 1) glycated hemoglobin value of 6.5% or higher, 2) fasting plasma glucose 126 mg/dl , 3) 2-h plasma glucose 200 mg/dl during an oral glucose tolerance test using 75 g of glucose, and/or 4) classic symptoms of hyperglycemia or hyperglycemic crisis with a random plasma glucose of 200 mg/dl or higher. In the absence of unequivocal hyperglycemia, the first three criteria should be confirmed by repeat testing . Prediabetes is diagnosed with an A1C of 5.76.4%, fasting plasma glucose of 100125 mg/dl , or 2-h postload glucose of 140199 mg/dl .

    The major forms of diabetes can be categorized as type 1 or type 2 . In type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 510% of cases, the cause is an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion resulting from autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of the inability of muscle cells to respond to insulin properly and inadequate compensatory insulin secretion. Less common forms include gestational diabetes mellitus , which is associated with a 4060% chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 510 years . Diabetes can also result from genetic defects in insulin action, pancreatic disease, surgery, infections, and drugs or chemicals .

    Read Also: Number Of Grams Of Sugar Per Day For Diabetic

    Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

    The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to those of type 1 diabetes, although they may occur more slowly and not be as noticeable in the early stages of the disease. However, these initial symptoms that may be barely noticeable at first can progress as the disease advances and lead to dangerous complications.

    Symptoms of Diabetes Include:

    • Family History

    Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Basics

    cure for diabetes type 2

    The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells and is carried to them through the bloodstream. The hormone insulin allows the glucose to get into the cells. In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t respond normally to insulin, so glucose is less able to enter the cells. This makes the blood glucose level rise.

    Treatment goals for kids with diabetes are to control the condition in a way that helps them have normal physical and emotional growth and development, and prevents short- and long-term health problems. To do this, parents and kids should try to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

    It is also important to treat other conditions that can be associated with type 2 diabetes, like obesity, high blood pressure, or abnormal blood lipid levels.

    In general, kids with type 2 diabetes need to:

    • eat a healthy, balanced diet and follow a meal plan
    • get regular exercise
    • take medicines as prescribed
    • monitor blood sugar levels regularly

    Helping kids with type 2 diabetes switch to healthier habits is a key part of treatment. Because most kids are overweight when they’re diagnosed, it’s important to promote healthy eating and physical activity to prevent further weight gain or to encourage weight loss while making sure they grow and develop properly.

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    Read Also: Does Water And Baking Soda Help Diabetes

    Type 2 Diabetes Food Breakdown

    First and foremost, we recommend that the vast majority of your nutrients come from plants, due to the various risks associated with eating meat.

    We also recommend removing artificial sweeteners and synthetic/processed products from your diet as much as possible, due to their proven association with chronic disease.

    Finally, we recommend that you get 80+% of your calories from the carbohydrates found in whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables, with the remaining calories coming from healthy fats and proteins.

    Sound restrictive? You might think, but countless plant based recipes might make you rethink your food groups.

    Vitamin D Sleep Apnea Gut Health And Diabetes

    A consequence of our poor diets is we have crowded teeth and smaller airways. You might be surprised to hear it wasnt always that way our ancestors had straight teeth, robust jaws, and never brushed or flossed. As a result 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea.

    I bring this up because sleep apnea increases a persons risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Also, sleep-disordered breathing is also related to proper nutrition throughout life. And perhaps most importantly, the first line of defense in catching sleep-disordered breathing in patients early, are dentists. This is another area where dentists must get involved if we want to tackle the issue of pervasive type 2 diabetes with any success.

    Dentists can tell early on if children are getting the right nutrition and ensure their airway remains open so they can benefit from quality sleep for the rest of their life. This is essential to preventing not only diabetes, but heart disease, cognitive decline, and more.

    Sleep apnea is also linked to vitamin D deficiency and gut microbiome changes. So by addressing these three factors in type 2 diabetes, we provide the foundation to cure type 2 diabetes.

    Read Also: Is Plant Based Diet Good For Diabetics

    Three Key Factors In Dental Diseases That Help Us Understand Type 2 Diabetes

    The mouth-body connection gives some more perspective on how to influence type 2 diabetes. These include vitamin D, sleep, and the gut microbiome.

    First, the health of your gut is critical to your overall health. This is because your gut is home of trillions of microbes called the gut microbiome. These microbes work in symbiotic and antagonistic relationships within your body. A 2017 study using multiple therapies to manipulate the gut microbiome composition, found they could impact the individuals health more rapidly. This study also found manipulating the gut microbiome as an effective way to avoid insulin resistance and therefore prevent diabetes.

    The plot thickens.

    Through choosing which microbes to favor through diet, probiotics, and more it appears possible support glycemic control and improves treatments for people who are diabetic.

    Second, researchers have found vitamin D plays a functional role in maintaining glucose tolerance through improving insulin sensitivity and modulating secretion. One study found vitamin D supplementation may reduce insulin resistance.

    I believe vitamin D has health roles all over the body, I wrote a four-part series on it. Make sure youre getting enough sunshine or supplementing.

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