Pre diabetes

WeightWatcherCindy

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes about a month and a half ago . Since then I have lost around 12 pounds and I've been exercising and taking my glucose readings . My question is do you believe that pre diebetes can be cured by losing weight , eating right and exercise ? I read a lot online . There are many doctors who believe that most people who are diagnosed pre diabetic will become full blown diabetic in 2-4 years . I want to do everything I can to get healthy . I don't want to ever be diagnosed full blown type 2 .

rainbowbow

I absolutely believe pre-diabetes and even full blown diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise. Your body is an efficient machine, good at what it does, you just have to treat it right if you want it to work properly.

Best of luck!

juppsterlou

hi there, i was referred to a diabetes prevention clinic last year and the nurse in charge certainly seemed to think that you could avoid becoming diabetic with simple changes to habit & behaviour. She recommended very small changes that were maintained long term and became the norm, so rather than decide 'no chocolate for the rest of my life', you perhaps decided to buy a 200g bar rather than a 400g bar ... not that I am using myself as an example here
I fell off the waggon a bit in the autumn and stopped going to my appointments (other issues took priority) but even so, I managed to maintain the weight loss that I had achieved, and that includes across christmas!!
Just this afternoon i made an apt to refer myself back and hope that I can carry on where we left off ... i also want to avoid type 2 like the plague, highly needle phobic so could really do without it!!

best of luck in your endeavours ... and I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if others have more scientific evidence to support the idea of diabetes prevention ... either way, we've got to be doing our health & well being some good if we cut down on fat & sugar intake and increase the exercise levels a bit

mklassy123

I agree, I think pre-diabetes can be reversed and diabetes can be controlled and/or reversed by diet and exercise. Although I don't have diabetes or pre-diabetes as of yet, I'm heading there if I don't take control NOW. Hence one of the reasons I am on here. I gain weight in my stomach, my mother had diabetes 2 caused by lifestyle choices (overweight, belly fat and sedentary lifestyle). I refuse to go down that road.

Congrats on the 12 pounds down!!!

kristinL16

I had gestational diabetes with my third and fourth pregnancies. Last spring, when I went in for my post partum checkup they said that my fasting glucose levels were a bit high, making me prediabetic. I do believe that eating right and exercising (and controlling weight) plays a big part in whether or not you are later diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. But, I also think that genetics plays a part as well and that for some people lifestyle changes are not enough. I think that the fact that lifestyle is a factor is a great motivator but I wish that people would understand that it isn't the ONLY factor. It seems that now people think that if you have diabetes you have done something wrong and that is not always the case. When I was pregnant and had to take insulin, I had people say all the time that "they were afraid of insulin so they controlled it with diet alone", implying that I wasn't watching what I ate since I had to take insulin. That is not the case. I did follow the diet carefully but my body still needed additional insulin.

JUDDDing

Definitely. Although, I suspect you probably have a higher risk if you revert to your previous habits.

>There are many doctors who believe that most people who are diagnosed pre diabetic will become full blown diabetic in 2-4 years .

IMO, they are being realistic (if cynical) - Most people don't put forth the effort to stop it. Most people don;t lose weight. Most people don't stop smoking. Most people don't stop drinking to excess. Most people don't exercise. Most people don't eat right.

Don't be most people.

(You might also ask about metformin. There are some studies that show that it can also be useful in preventing type II.

http://www.diabetes.org/news-research/research/access-diabetes-research/can-meformin-prevent-or-delay-type-2-diabetes.html )

richardheath

Just over a year ago, I was 210 lb. I lost about 40 in the first six months of 2012 (nearly 20% of my original body weight) and was then diagnosed with prediabetes. So, diet and exercise have been shown clinically to help control the disease (I hate to say cure) but are not the only factor.

I exercise (weights and cardio) a lot now, have kept the weight off, and have my diet fairly well under control, but my fasting numbers are still sometimes too high. So, either I haven't found the right diet for me yet, or I'm just one of those people for whom it won't matter, no matter what I do.

Still, I'm hopeful that I can keep it as under control as possible for as long as possible, so I'm not giving up yet!

djshari

Here's the thing... there are plenty of people at a normal weight that have T2 diabetes and plenty of obese people who do not have and never will have it so being overweight does not actually cause it.

That being said losing weight, exercise and diet can keep your blood sugar stable and at "normal" levels (for example under 140) post meals. I have read of people who lost a lot of weight and said they no longer have diabetes but have found no info on what their actual A1C or what happens to their blood sugar levels. I suspect if they ate something like 100 carbs in one sitting they would still spike but I don't know... I hope to find out for myself in the next year .

I have been reading everything I can, met with my dr, nutritionist and diabetes educator, read books and gotten advice from people that have lived with it for many years so this is just based off my experience so far - there really isn't a "cure" for diabetes as much as there is "control".

edit to add metformin: is a drug that keeps the liver from dumping glucose into your bloodstream so that you do not spike as much, so fyi that is basically what it does

WeightWatcherCindy

Thanks to everyone for the replies . I realize if I don't change my eating habits and get to and stay at a healthy weight I will more than likely become full blown diabetic . This has scared the day lights out of me ! I will get down to 160- 170 and I will stay there . I will exercise most days . (I just finished my first day of the 30 day shred ) I will check my glucose levels every day . Fasting has never been above 130 and 2 hours post meal it is 75-95 . I will keep my blood suger under control .

jjrichard83

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes about a month and a half ago . Since then I have lost around 12 pounds and I've been exercising and taking my glucose readings . My question is do you believe that pre diebetes can be cured by losing weight , eating right and exercise ? I read a lot online . There are many doctors who believe that most people who are diagnosed pre diabetic will become full blown diabetic in 2-4 years . I want to do everything I can to get healthy . I don't want to ever be diagnosed full blown type 2 .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUw9SaPLmA

check that link out.

Raw (or 60%) vegan diet seems to be one of the best methods without drugs. As a former eat meat till you sweat, this is an easy diet.

jknops2

Can diabetes be cured by losing weight, eating right and exercise?

No, it is a progressive disease, but you can control your glucose levels and prevent complications from high glucose levels. In addition, you can slow the progression of your diabetes by diet, weight, exercise, and medication.

My diabetes is controlled, but all I need to do is consume a “normal ” (for a non diabetic) amount of carbohydrates in any form, and my glucose spikes way up.

neanderthin

It's basically a metabolic disorder effecting carbohydrate metabolism from chronically elevated blood glucose, in other words insulin resistance. Weight loss (deficit) works because blood glucose levels drop from less overall available glucose on a comparative level. Exercise works because it increases glucose transport during exercise and the after effects of that is increased insulin sensitivity. Lowering carb intake will work in tandem with weight loss and exercise, which I believe works the best.

hatethegame

I have been Type I (insulin dependent) for 23 years. There are differences between Type I and II but in terms of controlling the disease (and in your case hopefully delaying it for a very long time), you need to have a daily exercise regime and eat a healthy diet. I cannot stress how big an impact exercise has on blood sugar control. Get some every day! You don't need to go nuts but make sure you get 45 minutes a day walking or jogging (or whatever you like to do that gets your heart rate going). Eat foods that are low glycemic as these will not cause spikes in blood sugar. For example, if you like bread or pasta, make sure you eat ones that are 100% whole grain and don't have enriched flour as that crap is awful for blood sugar control.

You don't have to eat a special diet or avoid carbs when you have diabetes. You just want to eat healthy and watch your portion sizes just like everyone else should do.

neanderthin

I have been Type I (insulin dependent) for 23 years. There are differences between Type I and II but in terms of controlling the disease (and in your case hopefully delaying it for a very long time), you need to have a daily exercise regime and eat a healthy diet. I cannot stress how big an impact exercise has on blood sugar control. Get some every day! You don't need to go nuts but make sure you get 45 minutes a day walking or jogging (or whatever you like to do that gets your heart rate going). Eat foods that are low glycemic as these will not cause spikes in blood sugar. For example, if you like bread or pasta, make sure you eat ones that are 100% whole grain and don't have enriched flour as that crap is awful for blood sugar control.

You don't have to eat a special diet or avoid carbs when you have diabetes. You just want to eat healthy and watch your portion sizes just like everyone else should do.

Agree with most of this but, I would suggest that Low GI doesn't necessarily equate to no spike in insulin. White pasta and snickers are low GI and these will definitely elicit an insulin response, while something with a high GI, fruit for example eaten in conjunction with a balanced meal will have less overall effect on an insulin response. If someone doesn't want to reduce carbs while trying to fix their insulin resistance, I would suggest that they employ the glycemic load as well as the glycemic index to find the full effect on insulin from the volume of carbs as well as it's ability to effect insulin.

hatethegame

Yeah Snickers and pasta are not something your going to want to make a part of your regular diet especially if your diabetic.

neanderthin

Yeah Snickers and pasta are not something your going to want to make a part of your regular diet especially if your diabetic.

I know, but you said low GI won't cause spikes in insulin, so then why not eat them? I guess you missed my point, that's ok, it wasn't the first time and won't be the last.

BigG59

You may also want to take a look at the Diabetes Support Group here on MFP. I have found the group very supportive and helpful.

URL is http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/1789-type-2-diabetes-support-group

I was diagnosed as having T2 Diabetes 5 months ago since then I have got my A1C back into the "normal" range ie under 6.0 by diet and exercise. I have the diabetes controlled, I am not cured.

As hatethegame stated, exercise and diet have the biggest impact. Weight Loss as it reduces the insulin resistance and exercise as it helps the muscles take up the "sugar" in your blood.

leilaphoenix

Here's the thing... there are plenty of people at a normal weight that have T2 diabetes and plenty of obese people who do not have and never will have it so being overweight does not actually cause it.

I'm not sure that you know what you are talking about at all. Try to read some peer reviewed science rather than random opinions on the internet . Type 2 diabetes is very closely related to weight.

jjrichard83

Can diabetes be cured by losing weight, eating right and exercise?

No, it is a progressive disease, but you can control your glucose levels and prevent complications from high glucose levels. In addition, you can slow the progression of your diabetes by diet, weight, exercise, and medication.

My diabetes is controlled, but all I need to do is consume a “normal ” (for a non diabetic) amount of carbohydrates in any form, and my glucose spikes way up.

the link I provided and the people in it would disagree. I have a friend with Type 1 diabetes who is almost completely off his meds after going mostly raw vegan. Should we believe mainstream health-science on this? I mean what do they have to gain finding a cure? Same thing with cancer... Money is in the treatment...

Melampus

Indeed there is a big difference in mechanism between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in that type 1 is caused by insulin deficiency and type 2 by insulin resistance and it is type 2 that people generally aquire in adulthood.

Is there any consensus on the cause of insulin resistance? Is it peak insulin levels, i.e. insulin spikes due to "meals" that deliver glucose to the bloodstream very fast or is it chronically high insulin, i.e. a diet/lifestyle that means the cells that respond to insulin never see insulin drop to a low level, or are both factors?

If it is the spikes that are the problem it would be possible to avoid developing insulin resistance by choosing low GI foods or meal combinations that limit the rate at which the glucose enters the blood. If the later then reducing the total carb intake would be more successful. If both are factors then maybe a combination approach would be the most successful.

I have seen almost nothing offerered on the mechanism by which exercise would be beneficial in this though everyone seems to agree it is a good idea. I have read that in the presence of insulin the muscles will preferentially use glucose and in the absense of it switch to using fatty acids so on that basis taking exercise in the period after a meal when the blood glucose level is rising would mean the glucose was removed from the blood faster for a given level of insulin which could limit the peak insulin level. What would happen when the timing doesn't match, though? Does having deplete gycogen levels in muscles mean they can do something similar but storing the glucose rather than immediately using it?

Regarding reversal of insulin resistance aagain I don't know. There are plenty of cases where the body adjusts to the levels of things including just about all things that alter neuurological state, hence the reducing effects of mind altering drugs and these adjustments seem to be made back towards normal when the offending substance is removed. There are also cases where chronic overstimulation causes permanent damages such as noise induced hearing loss.

Melampus

Here's the thing... there are plenty of people at a normal weight that have T2 diabetes and plenty of obese people who do not have and never will have it so being overweight does not actually cause it.

I'm not sure that you know what you are talking about at all. Try to read some peer reviewed science rather than random opinions on the internet . Type 2 diabetes is very closely related to weight.

What I have read suggests being obese or to a lesser extend overweight and type 2 diabtes often go together but that does mean that one causes the other. It seems more likely that both have a common cause in a particular diet/lifestyle and that correcting the diet/lifestyle deals with the weight and avoids the type 2 diabetes.

leilaphoenix

I wasn't suggesting that one causes the other. The misunderstanding of the public of causality (or not) in scientific outcomes is a bit problem in our society.

However, this of course means that it you want to lower your risks of diabetes, losing weight would be a good step in the right direction, whatever the nature of the 'link'. And considering it is good for your general health anyway, it is a obvious choice.

Melampus

the link I provided and the people in it would disagree. I have a friend with Type 1 diabetes who is almost completely off his meds after going mostly raw vegan. Should we believe mainstream health-science on this? I mean what do they have to gain finding a cure? Same thing with cancer... Money is in the treatment...

I guess it all depends on exactly what you mean by "cure".

Type 1 diabetes is not like type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system kills off the cells in the pancrease that make insulin. Changing one's diet or taking exercise is not going to restore those cells and in that respect type 1 is incurable.

Taking mediaction for type 1 diabetes is a way of controlling it. Taking insulin to match the food eaten is a way to avoid the hyperglycemia (hight blood sugar) that would otherwise result. Another way of avoiding high blood sugar would be a diet that either does not deliver any glucose to the bloodstream or does so so very slowly that the body is using it up as fast as it is going into the blood stream.

As I said at the start a it depends on what you mean by a cure. Typically a technique that avoids symptoms without fixing an underlying defect is called control rather than a cure but if you see it as equivalent to a cure then that's fine.

Superchas

Every doctor who has ever looked at me in my bloated state was surprised I did not have diabetes so may have dodged a bullet.

Normal stuff about how to stop diabetes healthy lifestyle choices from mayo clinic

Even if diabetes runs in your family, diet and exercise can help you prevent the disease. If you've already been diagnosed with diabetes, the same healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent potentially serious complications. And if you have prediabetes, lifestyle changes can slow or halt the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Eat healthy foods. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For every 1,000 calories you consume, try to have at least 14 grams of fiber, because fiber helps control blood sugar levels.

Get physical. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride a bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout, spread 10-minute or longer sessions throughout the day.

Lose excess pounds. If you're overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.

I have had all sorts of complications from carrying around an extra person but finally been given all clear on liver, legs, blood pressure and am not going back.

Ignored all of the advice above for too long but get on the programme and as long as when you fall off the horse you get back on as soon as possible anything is possible

good luck

jjrichard83

these people (and my friend from BC with type one) do not rely on their meds even 1/2 as much on that diet, and people with type two - most have completely stopped their meds all together. I didn't know if it was a propaganda piece to market their way, but I do believe my buddy, and if he says he's hardly ever having to give himself shots as opposed to before, then I have to believe it was the diet as that was the only thing that changed.

jjrichard83

the link I provided and the people in it would disagree. I have a friend with Type 1 diabetes who is almost completely off his meds after going mostly raw vegan. Should we believe mainstream health-science on this? I mean what do they have to gain finding a cure? Same thing with cancer... Money is in the treatment...

I guess it all depends on exactly what you mean by "cure".

Type 1 diabetes is not like type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system kills off the cells in the pancrease that make insulin. Changing one's diet or taking exercise is not going to restore those cells and in that respect type 1 is incurable.

Taking mediaction for type 1 diabetes is a way of controlling it. Taking insulin to match the food eaten is a way to avoid the hyperglycemia (hight blood sugar) that would otherwise result. Another way of avoiding high blood sugar would be a diet that either does not deliver any glucose to the bloodstream or does so so very slowly that the body is using it up as fast as it is going into the blood stream.

As I said at the start a it depends on what you mean by a cure. Typically a technique that avoids symptoms without fixing an underlying defect is called control rather than a cure but if you see it as equivalent to a cure then that's fine.

I don't know enough about it, I just listend to a friend and watched a few videos on it. However if I did have any kind of diabetes I'd def try it. nothing to lose and a whole bunch to gain

BigG59

Here's the thing... there are plenty of people at a normal weight that have T2 diabetes and plenty of obese people who do not have and never will have it so being overweight does not actually cause it.

I'm not sure that you know what you are talking about at all. Try to read some peer reviewed science rather than random opinions on the internet . Type 2 diabetes is very closely related to weight.

Actually you are both correct.

Diabetes is the inability of the Pancreas to generate enough Insulin. Insulin resistance caused by being overweight puts strain on the Pancreas and in some, but, not all over weight people they get T2 Diabetes as a result. This is why T2 Diabetes is associated with being over weight. From research I have read since being diagnosed the level of people being overweight and going on to get the disease is not as high as you would imagine. I have seen various figures, but, the one that sticks in my mind is 20%.

In thin people their Pancreas may stop generating insulin for other reasons.

As to comments about people being "cured" of diabetes, there is no "cure" . You can control it as I have with diet and exercise (no medication) and get your HbA1C levels below 6% (the pre-diabetic).

JUDDDing

As I said at the start a it depends on what you mean by a cure. Typically a technique that avoids symptoms without fixing an underlying defect is called control rather than a cure but if you see it as equivalent to a cure then that's fine.

I tire a bit from all of the barking about "it's not a cure".

If you alter your habits such that you no longer have any symptoms and no longer require any medication and if your risk profile returns to "normal" - you can call it whatever you want (and good job!)

But sure, you know that if you return to your old habits - you know where you'll be in time.

I don't find it that much different than the alcoholic who stops drinking too much or the fat person who stops eating too much. Opinions vary, but I would not call them an alcoholic or a fat person any more.

mfpcopine

It's not conclusive, but current science holds that there is a link between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. One of my siblings was told to lose weight or else s/he'd have to go on diabetes medication. Both my parents, who were thin when young, gained a lot of weight and they have Type 2 Diabetes. A doctor told me that no one knew for sure whether I'd avoid diabetes by maintaining a normal weight, but it would never be a negative. Being seriously overweight is always going to make being ill harder.

What have you got to lose?

nsblue

I was diagnosed with pre diabetes about a month and a half ago . Since then I have lost around 12 pounds and I've been exercising and taking my glucose readings . My question is do you believe that pre diebetes can be cured by losing weight , eating right and exercise ? I read a lot online . There are many doctors who believe that most people who are diagnosed pre diabetic will become full blown diabetic in 2-4 years . I want to do everything I can to get healthy . I don't want to ever be diagnosed full blown type 2 .

Being pre diabetic basically tells you that your body is prone to have problems with sugar if not controlled..
I have had it drilled into my head...once a diabetic always a diabetic...but we have the power to control it and it not control or destroy us.
3 years ago I was on 170 units of insulin. weight loss, diet and exercise has gotten me down to having to have NO insulin and my sugars are controlled and are great. some may say i am cured lol.... i say I am in control

mfpcopine

Here's the thing... there are plenty of people at a normal weight that have T2 diabetes and plenty of obese people who do not have and never will have it so being overweight does not actually cause it.

I'm not sure that you know what you are talking about at all. Try to read some peer reviewed science rather than random opinions on the internet . Type 2 diabetes is very closely related to weight.

Actually you are both correct.

Diabetes is the inability of the Pancreas to generate enough Insulin. Insulin resistance caused by being overweight puts strain on the Pancreas and in some, but, not all over weight people they get T2 Diabetes as a result. This is why T2 Diabetes is associated with being over weight. From research I have read since being diagnosed the level of people being overweight and going on to get the disease is not as high as you would imagine. I have seen various figures, but, the one that sticks in my mind is 20%.

In thin people their Pancreas may stop generating insulin for other reasons.

As to comments about people being "cured" of diabetes, there is no "cure" . You can control it as I have with diet and exercise (no medication) and get your HbA1C levels below 6% (the pre-diabetic).

Similarly, not everyone who has high cholesterol is overweight. But I hate it when cholesterol drug companies run commercials featuring patients who are thin and active when the reality is most of the candidates for the medication are not.