2024: A Fresh Outlook on Diabetes

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With the start of any new year comes the reflection of what one would like to achieve or do differently from the year that has passed. With health goals often on everyone’s minds, it is fitting for us to look at the real and very positive impact that lifestyle changes can have in preventing prediabetes and reversing or putting type 2 diabetes into remission. Reversing type 2 diabetes is possible! Losing weight is possible! Reducing or coming off diabetes medications is possible!

But HOW DO WE DO THIS?

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POWERFUL POINTS TO REVERSE PREDIABETES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

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• Medical evidence for reversal comes from clinical studies that demonstrate that significant weight loss can reverse the process of insulin resistance- which is the cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The weight loss shown to achieve this was 25-30 lbs. but even a minimal weight loss of 5-7% of your current weight can substantially improve blood sugars.

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• There is no such thing as a special diet or a  single approach to achieve this, but it certainly is a fact that making dietary changes is the most effective and natural way to reverse prediabetesand type 2 diabetes. It is important to work with a healthcare professional or Registered Dietitian to learn the best individual approach for you.

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• Different dietary approaches include:

              ·      A very low-calorie diet to induce rapid weight loss, followed by a diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates.

               ·      A low carbohydrate diet (50-130 grams of carbohydrate per day)

               ·      A very low carbohydrate, (less than 50 grams carbohydrate per day) ketogenic diet.

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• The most successful outcome will be with a dietary approach that can be maintained and is sustainable. Studies see greatest success with a low carbohydrate approach, as it focuses on moderate reduction in carbohydrate intake which can be formulated into lifelong changes in dietary behaviours.

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• Practical tips to reduce carbohydrates include eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages, cutting out sweet foods and highly processed refined carbohydrates, bagels, sweet cereals, cookies etc. Focus on incorporating more whole foods, increasing vegetable portions and including healthy proteins with each meal.

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• To ultimately succeed at the process of diabetes reversal it is important to take a holistic approach that incorporates not only dietary changes but also physical activities, sleep and stress management.

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Contact your GP or the Bermuda Diabetes Association for more information on learning what is the right approach for you to make an impact on your health this year. We are here to support you.

You can do it.

For more information call 441 2978427.