Do you think that once you have type 2 diabetes you’ll always have it? You may want to think again. 

Even though type 2 diabetes can be progressive and worsen over time, we now have evidence that it doesn’t have to. 

A team of researchers, led by a professor at University of Cambridge School of Medicine in the UK, summarized recent studies about diabetes remission. Here’s what they found: 

👉 About half of people who are within the first 10 years of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes are able to return to non-diabetic glucose control—as long as they lose weight and maintain that weight loss. 

That’s incredible and should motivate anybody with a recent diagnosis of diabetes.

Here’s a summary of some of these researchers’ findings:

• Controversy remains as to whether a low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet is more beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, but both appear to help.

• Intermittent fasting may support weight loss.

• Focusing only on macronutrients is oversimplified. Food quality matters too. 

• Most studies on diabetes remission have been done in white populations, but similar results have been found in ethnicities that include Hispanics, African Americans, South Asians, Middle Easterners, and African Carribeans.

Supporting Blood Sugar Balance

Eating to support blood sugar balance is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health! Insulin resistance, weight gain, prediabetes, and diabetes are AVOIDABLE for most people who take a proactive approach to their health. 

If you want to minimize your risk of developing diabetes and maximize your chances for a life filled with energy and health, consider the following for healthy blood sugar balance:

• Fiber slows the absorption of sugars from food (especially soluble fiber in oat bran, psyllium, and flax seeds).

• Foods that have a lower glycemic index (like blueberries instead of bananas) are less likely to cause blood sugar swings.

• Healthy fats (like omega-3s) may support the action of insulin.

• Stress and lack of sleep can trigger hormonal cascades that make you crave sugar and disrupt blood sugar regulation (take time to relax and remember to breathe!) 

• Exercise burns energy and combats insulin resistance (even breaking up your day with movement breaks can help!).

With naturopathic and functional medicine approaches, we have many tools to support your metabolism, blood sugar, and weight. The key is to find what YOU need for your unique body and biochemistry. 

Bringing your body back to a state of healthy metabolism and blood sugar control sets you up for a lifetime of better health. If that’s what you want for yourself, we hope you’ll book an appointment for an assessment with our team.