Reversing Type 2 diabetes with radical diet and weight management
Diabetes is a serious health crisis in our present world. In today’s era, the prevalence of this disorder is only increasing. There is little doubt that the lifestyle changes are responsible for the increase in prevalence of obesity, which again is associated with an increased prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes.
A study published in The Lancet showed, how with intensive weight management it is possible to reverse Type 2 Diabetes.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
The most common type of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder in which body becomes resistant to effects of insulin or the pancreas fail to produce enough insulin to maintain glucose (sugar) level in blood. Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disorder that develops slowly, over a long period of time. If it is not managed well, Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious health problems including blindness and heart and kidney disease.
About the study
To observe and analyze the effect of weight loss on Type 2 Diabetes, a scientific trial was performed at 49 primary care practices across UK. For this trial people within the age range of 20-65 who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within past 6 years, were recruited. Necessary changes were made in their diet (825–853 calories per day for 3 to 5 months) and they received structured support for long-term weight loss maintenance. The study showed that, at 12 months, a number of participants were able to achieve remission to a non-diabetic state.
What can we interpret from this study?
This study mainly focused on long-term maintenance of blood sugar levels by facilitating weight loss, which was achieved by proper diet and exercise.
One of the most common causes of type 2 Diabetes is obesity, which in turn is caused by consuming a calorie-rich diet. High carbohydrate intake results in increase of insulin levels in bloodstreams. Consistently high insulin levels lead to the body’s cells becoming resistant to insulin and leading to increase in blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Cutting down on calories not only helps in maintaining insulin level in the blood but also results in weight loss. Once the fat inside liver and pancreas is reduced, these organs return to their normal function.
Conclusion:
Type 2 Diabetes is generally thought to be an irreversible condition and usually, its treatment is costly and tedious. In some severe conditions, a patient may have to go under knife but the surprising results of this study show that even if one has had Type 2 Diabetes for over six years, it is feasible to put the diabetes into remission with carb management, proper diet, and exercise.
In a nutshell, when all the evidences are considered, it is clear that a diet rich in calories combined with decreasing physical activity is the main reason behind this disease but the upside is that, there is compelling evidence that type 2 diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
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