English
Last updated on September 27th, 2022
Irrespective of the disease it is a fact that in the long run, it will impact our health and quality of life. It will severely affect the working of organs. Especially for people suffering from diabetes type two need to be extra cautious. Moreover, inadequately managed blood sugar can result in a variety of health issues. Therefore, an attempt should be made to not only control the issue but also reverse type 2 diabetes.
In the present times, cases of various health issues arise mainly due to poor lifestyle choices and bad diet. One of the common diseases that affect millions in all parts of the world is diabetes. Diabetes claims many lives every year. It is a proven fact that from head to toe, diabetes can affect your overall well-being. However, the longer you have been affected by diabetes the higher the risk of complications due to it. Therefore, if you are aware of the side effects and long-term implications of type 2 diabetes, you become aware of the fact that you need to reverse it.
As per surveys conducted it is found that on average every three people out of 10 are suffering from type 2 diabetes. The condition is scary and the situation in developed nations is all the worse. The experts often comment that there is no cure for the disease however in some cases it was reversed. Through certain lifestyle changes and diet restrictions and without medications you can reach and get normal blood sugar levels.
However, it does not mean that the person is completely not cured. Type 2 diabetes is a continuous disease. Even if you are in remission that means you are not on medicines and the blood sugar levels stay in the healthy range but then it could return. It is possible that people maintain their glucose levels and then can manage their sugar levels.
What is Remission?
For people who need medicine to control diabetes often find that with certain lifestyle and dietary changes, they no longer nee medicines to control blood sugar levels. Their cells in the bodies are activated to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. This is called remission. Complete remission is one year or more of normal A1c and fasting glucose levels without using diabetes medicines. With complete remission it is mandatory to get high blood pressure, kidney, foot, eyes, and high blood sugar levels checked regularly.
Prolonged remission is 5 years or more of normal A1c and blood sugar levels without using medicines. Although regular visits with doctor is mandatory.
Also Read: How to Lower Blood Sugar Level Immediately?
What are the Ways to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
Summary
A type 2 diabetes patient always has to be aware that they could face certain long-term complications due to the medical condition. Thus, it is important to reverse the issue or control it. There are ways in which Type 2 diabetes can be reversed.
Blood sugar is the amount of glucose or simple sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body. With lifestyle changes, medications, and being proactive can help in controlling the long-term effects of diabetes or in some cases even reverse the case of diabetes.
Low Calories Diet to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
Several studies have looked at the effects of a very low-calorie diet on diabetes. As per studies if people mostly follow liquid diet of 650 to 850 calories a day for 2 to 5 months and then after start a less restricted diet helps to keep off the weight lost. In the studies it was confirmed that the weight loss had also helped them to reverse diabetes. The weight loss diet regulated blood sugar in the normal range for at least 6 months to a year.
Type 2 diabetes is an extreme case thus here it is crucial that you work with an expert and regulate your diet and calorie consumption. It is observed that people who reversed type 2 diabetes had lost about 10 kgs of their weight. Thus, it is advised that as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes it is the time to start the weight loss plan.
If you have type 2 diabetes the body cells that control blood sugar stop working. The doctors claim that the cells shut down but then at times the cells may get back to work and control the glucose levels in the body. When people lose their weight the fat levels in their liver and pancreas also reduce. Thereby it helps the beta cells in the pancreas that release insulin and control blood sugar and start working again.
As per studies it is confirmed that the earlier weight loss diet is resumed the better are the chances to reverse diabetes. Thus, with small changes and diet control one can reduce weight and reverse diabetes.
Healthy Diet for Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
The dietary fiber present in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are important for managing diabetes. They help in faster digestion and better bowel management thus the overall health is improved and also the long term, effects of diabetes are reduced.
Healthy fat like polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) help in controlling the insulin levels in the body. It reduces the blood glucose levels, and thus should be in the diet. Seeds and lean meat are the best way to include healthy fat in your diet. Vegetables are essential in the diet as they are full of nutrition and thus need to be a part of our diet.
Exercise to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
Exercise helps in weight loss and thus can help to reverse type 2 diabetes. With exercise it is not possible to reverse type 2 diabetes. However, when the goodness of exercise is combined with weight loss low calorie diet, it becomes easier to reverse diabetes. As per studies people who walk 10,000 steps a day, workout five days a week, and reduce 500 to 750 calories in their diet and follow a specific insulin course they could reverse their diabetes. With the same schedule they could see long term results. Thus, it is evident that it with the help of weight loss plan one can reverse type 2 diabetes.
Bariatric Surgery
It is a surgery that helps to lose weight by changing the stomach and digestive system. The surgery limits as how much one can eat. Thus, it helps in reducing weight loss and also reversing type 2 diabetes. As per doctors it affects the hormones in the gut and helps to control blood glucose. Thus, it reverses type 2 diabetes. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery also have positive and long-lasting results in the case. These surgeries are more effective than the gastric banding.
Bariatric surgery is possible if the BMI is 35 or higher. It is suitable for people who have had disease for five years or less and are not on insulin. If you are obese and have been diagnosed with the disease then you could consult an expert for the best opinion. There are side effects of the surgery and before opting for the surgery you need to discuss these with the expert.
Fasting
Fasting is reduced eating and in a time frame thus it helps in weight loss however this schedule may not suit for the diabetes patients. However, several tests are being conducted in this stream and it is observed that fasting in a particular way could help. Therapeutic fasting going without food and drink with calories for a set amount of time can reverse type 2 diabetes. Fasting meal should have less carbohydrates and thus again a low-calorie diet is targeted for diabetes reversal.
There are no short cuts or magic pills that can help in reversing diabetes. There are no medicines that can reverse diabetes it is only through dedication, diet, and lifestyle changes that one can reverse type 2 diabetes. No over the counter medications, dietary supplements, alternative medicines can help in reversing diabetes. Only FDA approved medicines or methods should be followed and adapted to reverse type 2 diabetes.
FAQs:
Can I control my diabetes without medication?
Controlling your diabetes without medication is possible. All you need to do is exercise for at least 30 mins a day, get minimum of 6 hours of sleep, and consume a healthy diet including – lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and whole fruits. Additionally, test your blood sugar regularly and commit yourself to exercise at a regular basis.
Is mental health important in the journey of type 2 diabetes?
Not only physical health but even mental health is crucial. It is important to train the mind to get full and happy with the low-calorie dirt. If you are not happy and always are in stress then irrespective of the diet and the exercise diabetes will not reverse. To stop or avoid the cravings for food which are off the list it is mandatory to consult an expert who can help to stay motivated and stress free.
What are the side effects of type 2 diabetes?
There various side effects of type 2 diabetes like:
- Hyperglycemia: Eating more sugar or carbohydrates than your body can handle is hyperglycemia. Thirst, increased urination, and too much sugar in urine are symptoms of hyperglycemia.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Ketoacidosis is a dangerous life-threatening condition. It is case where the body does not produce the required amount of insulin. Here the body starts converting fats to get energy it may be beneficial for weight loss but then it results ketones. The body tries to get rid of them as it is a waste product with excess urine.
- Cardiovascular disease: Blood sugar if not controlled and managed in the long run can damage the arteries. Diabetes causes increase in the triglycerides and LDL cholesterol which are bad cholesterol and clog the arteries leading to heart attack.
- Stroke: Stoke occurs when the blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. It is deadly matter and people with diabetes are more prone to suffer from stroke.
- Vision problems: Diabetes has alarming effect on the tiny blood vessels of the eyes and can cause blindness.
- Foot ulcers: Diabetes can cause damage to nerves and blood circulation is then prohibited thus this can lead to foot problems like foot ulcers.
Is it important to consult a doctor regularly?
Yes, going by the several researches done in all parts of world consulting a doctor regularly showed significant improvement in their blood sugar levels. In some cases, the patients were even off their medicines or the dose was reduced. Following what is recommended by doctor can help to reverse diabetes. Thus assemble a health care team and visit them for regular check-ups. With the help of your physician, you can understand that what diet or lifestyle changes is helping you to control your sugar levels and even reverse it.
Which foods should be completely prohibited for type 2 diabetes patients to reduce the weight?
Sugar loaded foods like soda, canned juices, sweets, and desserts are totally prohibited for diabetes patients. These foods are also prohibited for the people with heart issues or people who want to live a healthy life. Natural sweeteners like honey or cane sugar are also prohibited. Alcohol and smoking can affect the blood sugar levels and also conflict with the medicines thus they need to be avoided. Thus, they should be avoided.
References:
- www.emoha.com/blogs/health/indian-diet-for-diabetic-patients
- www.healthline.com
- https://www.eatingwell.com
- https://goodhousekeeping.com
Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
Disclaimer
This site provides educational content; however, it is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Readers should consult their healthcare professional for personalised guidance. We work hard to provide accurate and helpful information. Your well-being is important to us, and we value your feedback. To learn more, visit our editorial policy page for details on our content guidelines and the content creation process.
