How to prevent and reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes can be reversed in some. It was thought that Beta cells [secrete insulin] damage in pancreas is not irreversible. It’s reversible as it’s caused by clogging of those cells with fat. 

Insulin is the culprit.

First understand the pathophysiology of development of insulin resistance.

How?

If we eat frequently, be it whole foods, processed foods, or sugars, Insulin is constantly secreted as a response to eating. It is normal physiology that insulin has to be secreted in response to food.

Over decades (starts at 2 years of age) this constant stimulation leads to increased insulin levels during the day. Add stress to it, it will add to the problem. Stress releases hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol raises sugar.

So, insulin MUST be secreted to keep glucose within normal limits.

Our liver has plenty of glycogen (storage form of glucose) accumulated over decades of eating many small meals or snacks in a day.

So, we have insulin partying in our blood all day long if we keep eating frequently.

Insulin is a potent inflammatory agent and adds fat to the body. 

So, all that pumping iron in the gym with a horrible eating habit does not serve anyone to get to optimum health, as insulin remains high.

Inflammation leads to every ache & pain, fatigue, lethargy, brain fog, sleepiness, allergies [ maybe?] you name it. You can take all the medications you want for temporary relief.

Insulin also increases fat around internal organs. Nothing can magically dissolve this fat unless & until insulin levels return to baseline.

This increase in visceral fat, leads to insulin resistance over time i.e. more insulin needed to maintain blood sugars & eventually Type 2 Diabetes.

However, if we keep insulin at baseline, we start losing visceral fat. Over time we become more sensitive to insulin and glucose returns to normal levels eventually.

So, the treatment for diabetes or insulin resistance:

1. Lower the high insulin levels circulating in our body. The people who are already on medications for diabetes should work with their family doctor if they are attempting to do any changes or else it can be risky due to danger of dropping blood sugars too low leading to multiple complications.

2. Avoid constant eating or snacking and drinking sugary drinks.

3. When eating a meal, keep insulin level in check, by adding more fiber, natural fat & fermented food.

15% of the plate could be carbs, if desired. End-product of food that is glucose comes from protein & fats as well.

4. Allow long periods between two meals & the easiest one to do is time-restricted eating.

That is 16 hours between dinner & breakfast (6 pm dinner & 10 am breakfast).

This burns glycogen & burns the visceral fat as well.

Some more important points:

There are some external signs that show a person is developing diabetes-skin becomes dark at some places like forehead, back of neck etc., cholesterol numbers go up etc.

There are some symptoms of developing Diabetes:

1. Increased thirst: As your body becomes dehydrated, you may feel thirstier than usual.
2. Frequent urination: High levels of glucose in your bloodstream can cause your kidneys to work overtime, leading to increased urination.
3. Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can affect your body’s ability to use energy, leading to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
4. Hunger: Your body may not be able to properly use glucose for energy, leading to feelings of hunger even if you have eaten recently.
5. Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the shape of your eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision.
6. Slow-healing wounds: Diabetes can affect your body’s ability to heal, so wounds may take longer to heal than usual.
7. Dry mouth and skin: High blood sugar levels can lead to dry mouth and skin.

It’s important to note that some people may not experience any symptoms at all when they are developing diabetes. If you are concerned that you may be at risk for diabetes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Important points to remember if someone has developed diabetes:

Diabetes patients don’t need to eat more. Just because a person is taking medications for diabetes does not mean they need to eat more. They just need to eat similarly and on time each day so fluctuations in blood sugar levels is minimized.

Monitor your feet daily. A small injury can easily get infected leading to gangrene or osteomyelitis [bone infection] if ignored.

Relatively Newer medications for treating Diabetes:

SGLT2 inhibitors get rid of the blood glucose in urine and GLP1 inhibitors reduce your eating.

Bariatric surgery is needed in a lot of very obese people [with high BMI] to improve blood sugar levels.

Don’t delay in getting help for foot ulcers in diabetics. They can get infected quickly and spread causing bone infection. They may not even experience pain.