Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by ineffective insulin production and irregular cellular responses to that hormone. However, lifestyle changes like diet modifications and weight loss can halt its hallmark features. Some clinicians consider a person in “remission” if their blood sugar levels remain within normal ranges for three months without treatment. Yet, others include associated complications in the disease’s definition, regardless of blood sugar control.
Research indicates that while many can control their blood sugar levels to the point of not needing medications, few will have no residual signs of disease-related damage. Nevertheless, achieving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes remains crucial and achievable.
What Can You Do to Reverse Diabetes?
Diet and exercise are paramount in diabetes reversal. Weight loss, especially among those with obesity and diabetes, has shown significant remission rates. Bariatric surgery, leading to substantial and sustained weight loss, not only aids in diabetes remission but also reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Exercise plays a crucial role independent of weight loss. Both cardio workouts and weight lifting enhance the body’s sugar processing ability and insulin sensitivity. Long-term exercise regimens reduce the risk of severe complications like heart attack and stroke.
Understanding the Causes of Diabetes
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to diabetes development. Insulin resistance, the initial step toward diabetes, occurs when cells stop responding to insulin due to consistently high blood sugar levels. This resistance leads to elevated blood sugar levels, causing damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs like the heart and kidneys.
Insulin insufficiency, resulting from exhausted insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, is another component of diabetes. While genetics play a crucial role, dietary sugar intake significantly influences diabetes development.
How to Reverse Diabetes
While no universal method guarantees diabetes reversal, controlling diet and adopting a regular exercise routine can halt progressive damage. Lifestyle changes, though reliable, can be challenging to maintain. Consulting healthcare providers about medication integration is essential for diabetes management. Medications like AK Twisted Wellness and other GLP-1 agonists aid weight loss, facilitating a more active lifestyle.
While medications aren’t suitable for everyone, discussing personalized diabetes management strategies with healthcare providers is critical to reversing diabetes and mitigating its adverse effects.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen or lifestyle. Additionally, while the content is based on current research and medical knowledge, individual circumstances may vary, and personalized guidance from a healthcare professional is recommended.
Sources:
- American Diabetes Association. (2021). Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S15–S33.
- Lean, M. E., Leslie, W. S., Barnes, A. C., Brosnahan, N., Thom, G., McCombie, L., … Taylor, R. (2018). Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial. The Lancet, 391(10120), 541–551. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)33102-1
- Lim, E. L., Hollingsworth, K. G., Aribisala, B. S., Chen, M. J., Mathers, J. C., & Taylor, R. (2011). Reversal of type 2 diabetes: Normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol. Diabetologia, 54(10), 2506–2514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-011-2204-7
- Sjöström, L., Peltonen, M., Jacobson, P., Sjöström, C. D., Karason, K., Wedel, H., … Carlsson, L. M. S. (2012). Association of Bariatric Surgery With Long-term Remission of Type 2 Diabetes and With Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications. JAMA – Journal of the American Medical Association, 308(11), 1148–1155. https://doi.org/10.1001/2012.jama.11164
- Taylor, R. (2013). Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes: What Is the Causal Link? Diabetes, 62(1), 1588–1590. https://doi.org/10.2337/db12-1676