Diabetes ReversalVista, CA

Understanding Diabetes Reversal

Around 90% of all diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, reversal is possible. However, patients should keep in mind that diabetes reversal is not the same as a diabetes cure. Instead, diabetes reversal puts patients in remission. To be considered in remission, individuals must maintain healthy blood sugar levels without the help of medication.

Some patients can be in remission without any problems for years. However, as type 2 diabetes is an ongoing disease, there is no way to guarantee that the symptoms will not return. Evidence points to weight loss as the key to diabetes reversal. Even if this is not enough to reverse diabetes symptoms, it can help patients manage their condition. 

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Although type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults, it has become increasingly common in all age groups over the years. In the United States, this trend is associated with rising obesity rates. Type 2 diabetes is a potentially life-threatening disease. People with this condition either are unable to produce insulin or their bodies resist the process. This leads to an excess of glucose in the blood, also known as hyperglycemia. 

In contrast, type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood and has little to do with weight or diet. Genetics and family history seem to be the two most critical risk factors for type 1 diabetes, but the disease’s exact causes are unknown. Consequently, there are no known ways to reverse type 1 diabetes. Still, both conditions can lead to severe complications if not carefully managed. These complications include atherosclerosis, foot infections, hearing problems, heart disease, and more.

Diet Changes

Since obesity is one of the leading causal factors of type 2 diabetes, it makes sense that weight loss can help patients manage diabetes. Certain diets, specifically low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets, have been proven effective in reversing diabetes. Low-calorie, low-protein diets can significantly improve glycemic control in obese patients. 

Low-carbohydrate diets have been an integral part of diabetes management even before the discovery of insulin. These diets generally do not veer from the recommended protein consumption guidelines from the American Diabetes Association. They typically limit carbohydrate sources to non-starchy vegetables, dairy, and some fruits and nuts. For their safety, patients should consult with a doctor before making any drastic dietary changes.

Bariatric Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery, also commonly known as weight loss surgery, is arguably the most effective therapy available for morbid obesity today. As such, it is only natural that it is also an effective means of diabetes reversal. According to one long-term study that tracked 400 patients with type 2 diabetes, 62% of participants showed no signs of diabetes six years after undergoing bariatric weight loss surgery. These patients also had improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Ideal candidates for bariatric weight loss surgery have a BMI of 35 or higher. They should also have tried to lose weight and keep it off before, without any success. If a patient meets these criteria, the doctor will perform a physical examination and assess that they are emotionally ready for the operation. The patient and doctor will also go over any major life changes that must be made to ensure the operation’s success. Crucially, patients must eat less, eat healthier, and exercise more.

Call Us Today

Type 2 diabetes does not have to be a life sentence. We at A Personal Physician can help you manage your symptoms or even reverse them altogether. Call us today at (760) 940-7000 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services. Contact us for next appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of type 2 diabetes?

Common early signs of type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, numb or tingling extremities, and weight gain. However, these symptoms are more likely to show up in patients who have already developed type 2 diabetes. Surprisingly, low blood sugar can also be a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

Can you reverse prediabetes?

Yes. You can reverse prediabetes by following a low-carbohydrate diet. This lowers the glucose levels and, in turn, the body’s demand for insulin. Once fasting glucose has been normalized, prediabetes may be considered in remission (or “reversed”).

Is type 2 diabetes preventable?

Yes. Keeping regular visits with your primary care physician is the number one way to prevent diabetes — or to reverse it before it has the chance to fully manifest. If you are unsure whether you have type 2 diabetes, we can perform basic screening tests to make an official diagnosis. All overweight adults aged 40 to 70 years are recommended to be screened regularly. Furthermore, quitting smoking, staying physically active, and eating a healthy diet can all keep blood sugar levels at normal levels.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Aside from morbid obesity, there are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, you must also have a genetic abnormality to develop insulin resistance or production issues and type 2 diabetes. Certain populations are more at risk for this than others. These include those with a family history of type 2 diabetes, elderly patients, and patients with other health conditions. Those with gestational diabetes are also at increased risk, as are patients of certain racial and ethnic groups.

How long should I fast for a fasting glucose blood test?

You should fast for at least 10 hours before your fasting glucose blood test. Different macronutrients digest at different rates. 10 hours is enough time for your body to digest all the food in your system.