Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: How To Get Started

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. It is characterized by high blood sugar, or glucose, levels. This happens when the body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. When type 2 diabetes is not under proper management, it can result in several different serious health conditions including kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, stroke, and heart disease.

Definition of Type 2 Diabetes

Quite simply, type 2 diabetes affects how the body metabolizes glucose (sugar), which is a vital energy source. There are ways to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing, which may require some changes in your lifestyle. 

• The difference between reversing and curing.

Reversing requires lifestyle changes to improve blood sugar levels. This may include regular exercise, dietary changes, and weight management. Curing type 2 diabetes would entail eliminating the disease completely and permanently. There is no such cure currently available.

• Importance of seeking medical guidance.

Seeking medical guidance provides a personalized approach to the management of type 2 diabetes. This promotes better health outcomes and can improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

There are several factors to consider to fully understand type 2 diabetes. They include the following.

• Pathophysiology: Insulin resistance & pancreatic β-cell dysfunction.

The pancreas produces the hormone known as insulin. It permits glucose to travel from the bloodstream into cells when it becomes energy. When someone has insulin resistance, insulin levels must increase to maintain the movement of glucose into cells. It puts pressure on the pancreas to produce more insulin. Over time, the increase in demand for more insulin exhausts the pancreatic B-cells and they produce less insulin which results in higher blood sugar levels.

• Risk factors: Genetics, obesity, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle.

Individuals in families with a history of type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Excess body fat around the abdomen, a diet high in processed foods, sugars, saturated and trans fats, and low in fiber also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes development. As are leading a life with little or no physical activity. Other risk factors include age and ethnicity, medical conditions, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.

The Possibility of Reversal

Although type 2 diabetes is considered a chronic and progressive condition, varying degrees of remission are possible. Clinical trials and research have shown remission possibilities ranging from partial to full. Learn more about the possibility of reversal from the Type 2 Diabetes Summit.

• Discussing remission: partial, complete, and prolonged.

Partial remission results when blood sugar levels successfully return to near-normal values without medication. There is still a risk of developing diabetes again when those levels are not completely in what is considered the normal range. Complete remission is when blood sugar levels return to normal without medication and remain for a long time. To maintain this, regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices must continue. Prolonged remission is when normal blood sugar levels are achieved without medication and remain in this state for extended periods.

• Studies show the reversal of symptoms.

There have been several studies that state remission is possible. However, they also point out that improving diabetes symptoms requires lifestyle changes including more physical activity, a healthy diet, and weight management.

Dietary Approaches

Several different dietary approaches have shown potential in treating type 2 diabetes. Here is a breakdown of them. 

• Low-calorie diets.

This approach requires a reduction of daily calories to between 800 and 1,500. This can result in rapid weight loss and an improvement in insulin sensitivity. However, this approach has risks and should have medical professional supervision.

• Low-carb and ketogenic diets.

This approach restricts carbohydrate intake with a focus on more protein and fats. These diets can improve blood sugar regulation and reduce weight with ketogenic diets improving insulin sensitivity. However, these diets should be carefully monitored by a medical professional.

• Plant-based diets.

This approach focuses on whole, unprocessed plant foods including nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This type of diet assists with weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation, and the risk of type 2 diabetes development. 

• The role of intermittent fasting.

The approach to intermittent fasting involves a cycle that rotates between fasting and eating. It can improve insulin sensitivity, drop insulin levels, and encourage weight loss. However, you should consult a medical professional before starting this type of program.

Physical Activity and Weight Management

Physical activity and weight management is an effective strategy for managing and preventing type 2 diabetes. Here’s a closer look at how they do this.

• The relationship between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance. This resistance can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.

• Benefits of regular physical activity.

Regular physical exercise improves insulin sensitivity, provides a means of weight management, and enhances glucose regulation. It also improves cardiovascular health.

• Weight loss and its impact on insulin sensitivity.

One of the most effective ways to improve insulin sensitivity is by losing weight. Fat loss, in particular. As fat is lost, cells within the body become more receptive to insulin.

 Medication and Surgery

Medication and surgery are two common strategies in the treatment of type 2 diabetes treatment. 

• Metformin and its role in diabetes management.

This medication works by reducing glucose production in the liver. This improves insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. It helps reduce blood sugar levels and assists with weight management.

• Bariatric surgery and its potential for type 2 diabetes remission.

This series of surgeries induces weight loss in those with severe obesity. The procedures include gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and others. It offers great potential for type 2 diabetes remission as the surgery increases insulin sensitivity and results in significant weight loss.

Monitoring and Regular Check-ups

It is vital to follow up with regular check-ups and to monitor levels as a form of management. Here are a few reasons why.

• The role of HbA1c and blood glucose monitoring.

This test measures blood sugar level averages over 2 or 3-month periods and offers key data about overall blood glucose management. Blood glucose monitoring assists individuals in gaining a better understanding of how what they do, what they eat, and the medications they take impact their blood sugar levels.

• Importance of regular doctor visits.

Regular doctor visits add a layer of assessment to diabetes management. It also serves to provide a forum for early detection and treatment of potential complications before they have a chance to develop.

• Potential complications if diabetes is not managed properly.

If left unchecked, the potential complications are many. They include cardiovascular health problems, nerve damage, kidney disease, vision problems, foot damage, and skin infections. 

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

A holistic approach considers the person as a whole addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of the person receiving treatment.

• Stress management and its relation to blood sugar.

Stress releases stress hormones that can result in increases in blood sugar levels. By engaging in stress management, these triggers can be controlled.

• Sleep’s role in glucose metabolism.

Poor sleep can harm glucose regulation and insulin function. With a consistent sleep schedule, these issues can be prevented.

• Importance of mental well-being and support systems.

The emotionally challenging part about having type 2 diabetes can trigger stress, anxiety, depression, and more. With a strong support system in place, you can receive the support, understanding, and encouragement you need to cope with your condition.

Final Thoughts

While there is no true cure for type 2 diabetes, with proper management techniques, you could see it go into remission or control the symptoms. With a few changes to your lifestyle, you can easily live a long and productive life with type 2 diabetes.