Understanding Reversing Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels are elevated and the body is not processing glucose as it should. Prolonged elevation of blood glucose can lead to many health problems and can be fatal. Treatment of Diabetes is crucial as the side effects can be critical. There are two types of Diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. In Type 1 Diabetes the body, oddly, attacks and destroys the Beta Cells produced in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin helps to process glucose in the blood. Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes always includes insulin administration as the body doesn’t produce any. Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the cells have become resistant to insulin and though the body still produces insulin, the blood glucose remains high. It is generally known that there is no cure for Diabetes. Many Type 2 Diabetics can achieve a remission of the disease through diet and exercise, though this is not recognized as a cure.
Can You Reverse Diabetes Through Diet
Diet is maybe the most important factor in the treatment of Diabetes. Following a low-carbohydrate diet helps maintain steady blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetics must take insulin to balance carbohydrates, while Type 2 Diabetics can largely control blood glucose through diet and exercise. In many cases, Type 2 Diabetes can go into remission. Remission is when the blood glucose levels show non-diabetic patterns over extended periods. The most accurate gauge of long term blood glucose levels is known as the A1c or Glycated Hemoglobin (GlycoHemoglobin) test. This test reflects the blood glucose level over 3 months. Though Type 2 Diabetics can see remission in their condition it is said that there is no cure even if the remission has lasted over years or more.
The methods of reversing Type 2 Diabetes combine diet and exercise to help the body process glucose to the point that medication is no longer necessary.
Can You Reverse Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune dysfunction in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys healthy Beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The pancreas then no longer produces insulin and insulin must be administered through injection to balance glucose levels in the blood. A regimented diet is also recommended in the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. There have been transplants of the islets in the pancreas that produce the Beta cells which make insulin. This is a surgical procedure and requires anti-rejection medications to prolong the life of the transplanted cells. Development of an artificial pancreas has long been rumored, that would serve the function of a healthy pancreas making insulin. Modern research has proven that Type 1 Diabetes can be reversed in lab mice, though the results have not been successful in human trials. For the moment there remains no cure for Type 1 Diabetes and treatment for Type 1 relies on insulin injections, diet, and exercise.
Can You Reverse Diabetes With Weight Loss
As we’ve discussed there is no method for reversing Type 1 Diabetes at the moment. Type 2 Diabetes, on the other hand, can and has been seen to go into remission in patients who have strictly regimented their diet and also decreased weight significantly. There is a strong correlation between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, as many people who are overweight also suffer from Type 2 Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes. The patients who have experienced remission, even over many years are still considered to be Diabetic even though their blood glucose levels are tantamount to those of non-diabetic patients. The process of reversing Type 2 Diabetes to a point of remission requires following a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly. Several studies show that Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed to the point of remission through the adoption of a Plant-Based or Vegan diet. Because too many these lifestyle changes present a great deal of difficulty, many Type 2 Diabetics must manage their disease over the entire duration of their lives. In either case, Type 1 or Type, weight loss can significantly reduce the stress placed on the body by Diabetes and can alleviate many of the complications associated with the disease. Some of the life-threatening complications of Diabetes are heart disease, Diabetic Neuropathy, high blood pressure, and obesity. Following proper nutrition guidelines and exercising regularly will greatly reduce the complications of Diabetes.
Can You Reverse Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that is brought on by elevated blood glucose levels. Most commonly Diabetic Neuropathy is experienced in the feet and legs. Diabetic Neuropathy is unfortunate and all too a common complication of Diabetes. There is no known way to reverse Diabetic Neuropathy. The best way to treat Diabetic Neuropathy is to carefully manage blood glucose levels to keep them in an ideal range and to lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise coupled with good nutrition and proper blood glucose management can stave off the effects of Diabetic Neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can affect many parts of the body including the digestive system, eyes, heart, and muscles. Because of the damage from Diabetic Neuropathy, patients are at risk of having a foot amputated or even going blind. The best method of controlling Diabetic Neuropathy as it is not curable is the proper management of Diabetes. This includes proper diet, exercise, rest, and medication.
About Our Guest Writer:
Tim Delaney, Content Writer. Tim studied Environmental Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast, loves to surf, is passionate about health, and discovering ways to enjoy life with diabetes.
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