Type 2 Diabetes is a serious, long-lasting disease that is common worldwide. It was previously common in adults, but lately, it has been becoming common in children due to unhealthy food consumption and obesity problems. Several different factors contribute to type 2 diabetes, but being overweight definitely increases its risks.
If not managed timely, type 2 diabetes can be life-threatening. However, it can also be reversed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
Type 2 Diabetes
A hormone called insulin is created by your pancreas, which is released when your glucose levels rise, and it makes your sugar move to the cells so you can use it as an energy source. On the other hand, the pancreas stops discharging the hormone when glucose levels decrease.
Type 2 diabetes can impact the way your body metabolizes sugar. If your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or your body has become insulin-resistant, it causes glucose build-up in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperglycemia.
Several symptoms of untreated type 2 diabetes are:
- Extreme thirst and need for urination
- Fatigue
- High appetite
- weight loss, despite eating as per routine
- Slow recovery of infections
- Blurry eyesight
- Hyperpigmentation in different parts of the body
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
For treating type 2 diabetes, you should:
- Monitor blood sugar levels
- Use medications or insulin when required
Your primary care physician may also advise you to lose excess weight through diet and exercise. Moreover, some diabetes prescriptions have weight loss as a side effect, helping you treat or manage diabetic conditions. Consider incorporating a CGM device for non-diabetics to monitor glucose levels efficiently.
You can manage your diabetes by:
- Consuming a healthy and balanced diet
- Exercise
- Lose unwanted pounds
People who have reversed their type 2 diabetes have focused more on weight loss for effective results. This is because excess body fat can impact how your body produces and uses insulin.
In a small study, several people reduced their daily calorie intake for 8 weeks and reversed their type 2 diabetes. Note that the participants of this study had only suffered from the condition for only several years before they reversed it. In another research, it was seen that bariatric surgery also reversed type 2 diabetes. This surgery is one of the few effective ways to reverse prolonged diabetes.
Some less drastic weight loss options are available that can help lessen your diabetes symptoms. It mainly includes exercising and dietary changes.
Changing Dietary Habits
Consuming a nutritious diet is crucial for:
- Losing weight
- Managing your symptoms
- Reversing type diabetes
Your physician will also help you plan a balanced diet, or they can refer you to a nutritionist. The most effective diet that can manage or reverse your condition should have:
- Reduced calories
- Healthy fats
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins, including poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, soy, and beans
- Limited sweets
Experts always suggest a low-carb diet for people who have diabetes. However, it does not mean that you completely eliminate carbohydrates from your diet. You should consume the recommended quantity in each meal. Eating smaller portions and limiting total calorie intake is better.
Some experts also recommend the keto diet for losing weight and balancing sugar levels. This diet is known to restrict carbohydrates to under 50 grams daily. It forces the body to break down fat as a source of energy, resulting in rapid weight loss and favorable advantages on triglycerides and blood glucose control.
However, this diet also has some adverse effects, including:
- Muscle cramps
- Bad breath
- Shifts in bowel movements
- A loss of energy
- A rise in cholesterol level
Some recent studies have also suggested that keto diets raise hepatic insulin resistance and may generate a deficit in some required micronutrients. Thus, more research is needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of prolonged use of this diet.
You can reverse type 2 diabetes with proper meal planning, regular exercise, and healthy eating. If you can commit to these changes and shed excess weight, you can get free from diabetes and its life risks.
Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually develops during childhood, and it is significantly unrelated to weight or diet. Its exact cause remains unknown, and it is promoted by family genetics. People who have type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin daily to metabolize glucose in their bodies because their pancreas produces little to no insulin naturally. Moreover, this type of diabetes has no cure, nor can it be reversed. However, you can manage it through lifestyle changes.
Its symptoms are similar to type 2 diabetes, and both conditions can induce severe risks if not treated or managed on time. These complications can be:
- Heart disease
- Nerve damage
- Atherosclerosis
- Vision issues
- Kidney damage
- Skin infections
- Foot infections, which may lead to amputations
- Osteoporosis
- Hearing problems
If you have diabetes of any type, consult the best Diabetologist in Multan before opting for any treatment or management plan. Your doctor can assess you and give you a better and more effective plan. It is always better to consult a professional as they can guide you better. Book an appointment with the best Diabetologist in Peshawar through Marham for more information.