Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high levels of blood sugar, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. However, research has shown that this condition can be effectively managed and even reversed through lifestyle medicine. In this week’s video, I share the science behind the natural reversal of type 2 diabetes, and the mind-blowing amount of money the average type 2 diabetic can save by doing so.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can cause damage to various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.
The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Lifestyle medicine refers to the use of non-pharmacological interventions, such as diet and physical activity, to prevent and treat chronic diseases. By adding supplements to the equation, lifestyle medicine becomes Functional Medicine. In the case of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle medicine has been shown to be effective in both reducing the symptoms of the condition and in some cases, reversing it entirely.
One of the key lifestyle changes that can help reverse type 2 diabetes is weight loss. Excess body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, is known to interfere with insulin sensitivity. By losing weight, people with type 2 diabetes can improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce their risk of developing complications.
In addition to weight loss, diet plays a critical role in the natural reversal of type 2 diabetes. A diet that is high in fiber, low in refined carbohydrates, sufficient in protein, and rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts, can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, reducing the intake of processed foods and sugary drinks can also improve insulin sensitivity.
Physical activity is another important component of lifestyle medicine in the reversal of type 2 diabetes. Exercise has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar levels. In fact, one study found that people with type 2 diabetes who exercised for just 30 minutes a day for three months were able to significantly improve their glucose control.
The Science Behind Lifestyle Medicine
The science behind the natural reversal of type 2 diabetes is complex, but it is rooted in the understanding of how the body processes glucose. When we eat, our bodies break down the carbohydrates in our food into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. The pancreas responds by producing insulin, which helps regulate the level of glucose in the bloodstream and transports it into the cells where it is used for energy.
In people with type 2 diabetes, the body’s insulin response is either insufficient or ineffective. This leads to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which can cause damage to the body over time.
By making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, people with type 2 diabetes can improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce their risk of developing complications. In some cases, these changes can even result in the complete reversal of the condition.
Let’s dive deeper…