Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Discussion
Broccers said:
garythesign said:
According to my diabetic nurse, even if you reduce to under 40Mmol, you are a diabetic in remission.
What a lot of crap. Phil. said:
This is what concerns me greatly about the NHS and diabetes. They are so far behind in their thinking and wasting so much money providing pills, whilst at the same time advising people to do things that will result in unnecessary serious illness.
The GP insisted my dad was diabetic, despite his results only being on the borderline. Doc insisted he start taking various medications, and statins, which apparently caused him grief. A year or two ago he had some more routine tests and there was no trace of it any more, despite his GP having told him it is incurable, and that he will always have it.
He was also asthmatic for years, used to wheeze and puff all,the time, but that disappeared a couple of years ago. He is 82 now, but probably 30kg lighter than he was 5 years ago.
I look forward to when an investigative journalist seriously looks in to the relationship between the Pharma industry and GP’s/NHS. Although due to the huge sums involved they would have to be very careful not to be involved in an ‘accident’ whilst undertaking their research.
In the meantime all we can do is spread the good news that in a lot of cases you have a choice to avoid or reverse Type 2 diabetes. It’s doesn't have to be a condition for life anymore!
Having said that, I believe most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 have had it for some time (years) before the diagnosis, damaging their body in the meantime. We therefore need better and earlier screening. It’s only a blood test so can’t be that expensive compared to the cost of dealing with the after effects of Type 2.
In the meantime all we can do is spread the good news that in a lot of cases you have a choice to avoid or reverse Type 2 diabetes. It’s doesn't have to be a condition for life anymore!
Having said that, I believe most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 have had it for some time (years) before the diagnosis, damaging their body in the meantime. We therefore need better and earlier screening. It’s only a blood test so can’t be that expensive compared to the cost of dealing with the after effects of Type 2.
I think the biggest thing is why you have type 2 diabetes. For some there is a genetic reason - age etc contributing.
For many its simply being a fat knacker, poor diet and low exercise meaning theyve pushed thier body to its design limits and hence type 2 diabetes is the result (amongst other things like heart issues, joint issues, etc etc).
IMO the ability to recover will depend on how long you f
ked your body up and hence how much permenant damage you have caused. If you go too far, being healthy weight etc may well not fix it.
For many its simply being a fat knacker, poor diet and low exercise meaning theyve pushed thier body to its design limits and hence type 2 diabetes is the result (amongst other things like heart issues, joint issues, etc etc).
IMO the ability to recover will depend on how long you f
ked your body up and hence how much permenant damage you have caused. If you go too far, being healthy weight etc may well not fix it. My mum is type 2, she got it during pregnancy with me.
During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
I have seen some stuff saying a water fast can do wonders. As the name implies, you only drink water for the duration. as to how long; people go for 5 - 30 days.
I would say its worth doing some research and having a go. The usual health warnings apply of course - do the research first.
I would say its worth doing some research and having a go. The usual health warnings apply of course - do the research first.
manracer said:
My mum is type 2, she got it during pregnancy with me.
During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
Amazing and brilliant! Keep on going and you will succeed. During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
My doc was dead against me rejecting the pills but overjoyed when I succeeded. It’s like we are educating the NHS.
Phil. said:
manracer said:
My mum is type 2, she got it during pregnancy with me.
During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
Amazing and brilliant! Keep on going and you will succeed. During a routine blood test in may this year my HbA1c came back at 68 and the GP asked me to see the diabetic nurse to get tablets, I asked the GP about trying to diet first and he laughed, he said there was no point as it wouldn't make any difference. I made an appointment and spoke to the nurse about attempting to diet first, she said to lose 10kg so about 1.5 stone and come back in 3 months
The same day I joined weight watchers online. I also committed to walk 6 miles per day 7 days a week before my 3 month review (and also when I was going on holiday).
I went back end of august having lost 22kg ( just over 3 stone), had walked 500 miles, played badminton once a week and the occasional run......and my HbA1C was 44.
I was over the moon. Nurse was too. I made a point of popping my head in to see the GP to tell him. He didn't believe me at first, and even when I showed him the results he didn't really care.
I'm going back in December for another blood test when I hope to have lost another 1.5 stone and hopefully my HbA1c will of dropped even more. I'll be in the healthy weight range. When I started I was obese, now I'm just overweight.
Personally the exercise and the great meals I've had on weight watchers have both complimented each other.
My doc was dead against me rejecting the pills but overjoyed when I succeeded. It’s like we are educating the NHS.
I couldn't agree more. I've read quite a bit online on this topic, especially around where the GP isn't given the minimum basic info to not only lower your HbA1c and how, as well as not advising on what diet to go for, to just plainly advising meds and nothing else whatsoever. It's disgusting.
Phil. said:
I look forward to when an investigative journalist seriously looks in to the relationship between the Pharma industry and GP’s/NHS. Although due to the huge sums involved they would have to be very careful not to be involved in an ‘accident’ whilst undertaking their research.
In the meantime all we can do is spread the good news that in a lot of cases you have a choice to avoid or reverse Type 2 diabetes. It’s doesn't have to be a condition for life anymore!
Having said that, I believe most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 have had it for some time (years) before the diagnosis, damaging their body in the meantime. We therefore need better and earlier screening. It’s only a blood test so can’t be that expensive compared to the cost of dealing with the after effects of Type 2.
It's criminal fella. Unfortunately lots of people are given the scare tactics and don't question their own Gp. Why would they? In the meantime all we can do is spread the good news that in a lot of cases you have a choice to avoid or reverse Type 2 diabetes. It’s doesn't have to be a condition for life anymore!
Having said that, I believe most people who are diagnosed with Type 2 have had it for some time (years) before the diagnosis, damaging their body in the meantime. We therefore need better and earlier screening. It’s only a blood test so can’t be that expensive compared to the cost of dealing with the after effects of Type 2.
When you then look into the manipulation of figures especially with Statins that show they actually don't do anything at all to prolong life then you start to see. 'simvastatin hell' is an eye opener on patient.info . That was my journey to get off all these pills.
If as above you are told to get on them explore all other avenues first and even then read all about the metformin side effects especially when you mix them with alcohol. They can kill you.
Edited by Broccers on Wednesday 4th October 23:19
My best mate lost about 5-6 stone a few years ago and reversed his diabetes at the same time.
Dr Bernstein has quite an interesting book about controlling diabetes (or reversing type 2) using diet. He's a type 1 diabetic himself. Whilst the diet is very strict, even if you decide it's not for you, the book makes for interesting reading.
http://www.diabetes-book.com/
Dr Bernstein has quite an interesting book about controlling diabetes (or reversing type 2) using diet. He's a type 1 diabetic himself. Whilst the diet is very strict, even if you decide it's not for you, the book makes for interesting reading.
http://www.diabetes-book.com/
oldbanger said:
My best mate lost about 5-6 stone a few years ago and reversed his diabetes at the same time.
Dr Bernstein has quite an interesting book about controlling diabetes (or reversing type 2) using diet. He's a type 1 diabetic himself. Whilst the diet is very strict, even if you decide it's not for you, the book makes for interesting reading.
http://www.diabetes-book.com/
Thanks. Down loaded the book and am half way through. It’s full of accurate advice. Some of it is aimed more towards type 1 but all of it is good. Definitely worth a read if you want to sort your diabetes by diet. Dr Bernstein has quite an interesting book about controlling diabetes (or reversing type 2) using diet. He's a type 1 diabetic himself. Whilst the diet is very strict, even if you decide it's not for you, the book makes for interesting reading.
http://www.diabetes-book.com/
Bit late to this one, but I went from borderline Type 2 to well clear of it in 3 months by mainly changing my diet.
I had no other physical signs, I'm 6'2" and was 90kg so now down to about 83kg, cycled regularly, and whilst enjoying a drink, rarely had more than 2 in an evening. Other indicators in the blood test around fats were also worrying.
My GP gave me lots of helpful hints and I became an avid reader of nutritional info on packaging. I also now cycle in the morning with no food after my evening meal and can manage a 3 hour ride easily, and make sure I go 12 hours everyday without eating just to give my system a rest.
Oh, and nuts. Lots of natural nuts in my diet.
Whatever the science, it's worked so far for me. Next annual blood test is coming up, so hopefully still where it should be.
Good luck to all those who want to reverse this, there is much more info out there and many more first hand accounts of turning things around.
I had no other physical signs, I'm 6'2" and was 90kg so now down to about 83kg, cycled regularly, and whilst enjoying a drink, rarely had more than 2 in an evening. Other indicators in the blood test around fats were also worrying.
My GP gave me lots of helpful hints and I became an avid reader of nutritional info on packaging. I also now cycle in the morning with no food after my evening meal and can manage a 3 hour ride easily, and make sure I go 12 hours everyday without eating just to give my system a rest.
Oh, and nuts. Lots of natural nuts in my diet.
Whatever the science, it's worked so far for me. Next annual blood test is coming up, so hopefully still where it should be.
Good luck to all those who want to reverse this, there is much more info out there and many more first hand accounts of turning things around.
Reading the comments I am surprised people are unaware that the NHS offers a support a scheme targeting pre diabetic (42 mmol- 48 mmol range) patients – and no reason why diabetics cannot participate.
Programme is runs for 12 months – first month consists of weekly meeting with a dietician offering life style and dietary advice specifically to target and reverse diabetes – followed by monthly consultations. Presenters were confident type 2 can be reversed.
In short, reduce sugar intake (booze, sweets, carbs), add fibre (oats, green veg) and exercise (regular walking etc).
Speak to your doctor and sign up.
Programme is runs for 12 months – first month consists of weekly meeting with a dietician offering life style and dietary advice specifically to target and reverse diabetes – followed by monthly consultations. Presenters were confident type 2 can be reversed.
In short, reduce sugar intake (booze, sweets, carbs), add fibre (oats, green veg) and exercise (regular walking etc).
Speak to your doctor and sign up.
My dad was on metformin for type 2, a year of hefty exercise and self-maintenance resulted in him being taken off it (as well as whatever cholesterol drugs he was on) and as far as the GP was concerned he's now 'not' diabetic. It was a full 180 when compared to what got him in that state (years of overwork and self neglect).
Which is nice given his blood sugar was at one point 20!
Which is nice given his blood sugar was at one point 20!
Just an update from me
Latest bloods down to 45 and been to the doc for review this morning
Now considered diabetic in remission and one sets of meds gone as of tomorrow with the rest to be reviewed in 3 months
Apparently we're a rare breed so research into reducing/removing meds is limited in the NHS
Latest bloods down to 45 and been to the doc for review this morning
Now considered diabetic in remission and one sets of meds gone as of tomorrow with the rest to be reviewed in 3 months
Apparently we're a rare breed so research into reducing/removing meds is limited in the NHS
Worth considering that most overweight people who are diagnosed with type II (or most overweight people in general) will not have the level of commitment and determination that some of the posters on this thread have and many GPs will be very aware of this.
It's easier just to fill them with pills than tell them some hard truths and then try to help them to improve their lifestyles, which in many cases would be a waste of time.
It's easier just to fill them with pills than tell them some hard truths and then try to help them to improve their lifestyles, which in many cases would be a waste of time.
Another one of these studies was highlighted in the news this week.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com...
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com...
the lead researcher said:
Substantial weight loss results in reduced fat inside the liver and pancreas, allowing these organs to return to normal function. What we’re seeing … is that losing weight isn’t just linked to better management of type 2 diabetes: significant weight loss could actually result in lasting remission
article said:
The trial results, published in the Lancet and presented at the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Abu Dhabi, show that after one year, participants had lost an average of 10kg, and nearly half had reverted to a non-diabetic state.
OP the fact you're posting on here is indication you've got insight into your T2DM and motivation. Focus on the weight loss, good cardiovascular health, sensible diet - I say to patients don't make yourself miserable missing the things you like, use them as a reward on a Saturday for a good week. Your HbA1c will come down. I want to hug any patient who does the hard work so that I can stop their metformin. Good luck - crush it. Make it your bit*h.
What is easy to overlook in type 2 DM is the role of lean muscle mass.
The ratio of fat to lean muscle is important, because if there is too much metabolically active fat (ie, around the middle of your body and in and around abdominal viscera especially the liver) then there is insulin resistance. On average for normal daily activities we require the pancreas to make about 1 unit of insulin per hour. If you allow yourself to become a BIFF (bone-idle fat fker) then you are flogging your pancreas because the fat around the middle means that you are needing to make more insulin just to keep up. Like any glandular structure it has a shelf life.
From a muscle point of view, muscle fibres use glucose just to maintain themselves. Think of the biggest muscle groups; quads and arse. Bulk them up properly and you WILL get a lower HbA1c. This takes about three months of painful effort if you are going from being a couch-potato but is well worth it.
I don't get a 'bonus' for prescribing statins - it's more like I don't get paid UNLESS I do. Try working with NHS England as your only customer. Etc.
The ratio of fat to lean muscle is important, because if there is too much metabolically active fat (ie, around the middle of your body and in and around abdominal viscera especially the liver) then there is insulin resistance. On average for normal daily activities we require the pancreas to make about 1 unit of insulin per hour. If you allow yourself to become a BIFF (bone-idle fat f
ker) then you are flogging your pancreas because the fat around the middle means that you are needing to make more insulin just to keep up. Like any glandular structure it has a shelf life.From a muscle point of view, muscle fibres use glucose just to maintain themselves. Think of the biggest muscle groups; quads and arse. Bulk them up properly and you WILL get a lower HbA1c. This takes about three months of painful effort if you are going from being a couch-potato but is well worth it.
I don't get a 'bonus' for prescribing statins - it's more like I don't get paid UNLESS I do. Try working with NHS England as your only customer. Etc.
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