Insulin Dependant Type 2 Diabetic

TexMexBel
TexMexBel Posts: 54 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So I wanted to pick the brains of those of you that may have knowledge in this area. I am an overweight insulin dependant type 2 diabetic. I carry my weight in my stomach (typical for type 2 diabetics). My question never seems to get ANSWERED. I have asked several doctors as well as my endocrinologist and I never seem to get the same answer, which is frustrating. Is diabetes reversible with weight loss, a good diet and exercise? The second question is, once you are on insulin, are you ALWAYS on insulin?

Is there anyone out there that has been in my shoes, on insulin and lost weight and eventually able to come off the insulin? I'm so frustrated with this whole diabetes thing. Feel free to add me or message me. I sure could use the support from others in my situation.

hugs, Bella

Replies

  • georgina1970
    georgina1970 Posts: 333 Member
    Hi Bella
    I'm not diabetic, but I do teach new diabetics about their condition, what to eat etc.
    Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes you will always have it, but you can significantly improve your control of blood sugars with what you eat and exercise. You may even be able to bring your blood sugar readings back to normal. With insulin you are likely to remain on it indefinitely. There are several things that contribute to this - whether you follow the recommended diabetic diet; how well controlled your blood sugars are; exercise; and your pancreas.
    The pancreas is the organ which releases insulin from the islet cells. If a diabetic needs insulin this means that their Islet cells are not producing enough insulin for their current lifestyle. Certainly if your current lifestyle and diabetes management is poor then improving diet and exercise will improve diabetic control and you will likely need less insulin.
    Hope this answers your questions.
    Cheers
    Gina
  • TexMexBel
    TexMexBel Posts: 54 Member
    Hi Gina,
    Wow, thank you so very much. I have been told and have read people (MD's included) that they "used to be" diabetic, therefore I was hopeful that I could get rid of it with some really hard work. Then my Endo said what you said, once a diabetic ALWAYS a diabeticl. I guess i was "hoping" it was reversible. My Endo also said exactly what you said about possibly reducing the amout of insulin I am currently taking if I change my diet and exercise.

    I am currently on a lifestyle change in my diet recommended by my Endo, which is omittig "white foods" (flour, sugar, salt, rice), and now I'm trying to incorporate more exercise into my day. Thank you for answering my question, it was of great help..

    Hugs, Bella
  • mamajenb
    mamajenb Posts: 53 Member
    Bella, if you haven't already you may want to check out the type 2 diabetes group.
  • Bevkus
    Bevkus Posts: 274 Member
    Hi There

    You should join our MFP Diabetes support group and repost your question!! Lots of experience in the group!!

    Take care!!
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    Yes, type 2 diabetes is usually reversible by diet. But because that way of eating is considered "restrictive" and "too hard", many people won't even consider it. And lots of people here are likely to jump all over me for the mere suggestion of eliminating certain foods from the diet. There is lots of information on this out there in books, scientific studies, and on the web. Many of these sources are VERY well researched and scientifically well supported. Some may not be, so spend lots of time investigating sources.

    I had a long, long list of illnesses, including pre-diabetes and severe depression that are now GONE because of how I eat. I do not eat grain, legumes, sugar, and artificial sweeteners/colours/flavours. I limit fruit, dairy, and processed foods. I plan on eliminating dairy eventually, and currently only use butter and full fat cream. As I use up my condiments, I don't buy more, I make my own. I eat a fat-based diet with moderate protein and very low carbs. I feel GREAT, in every way.

    But the only way to know how something works is to try it. There are many doctors out there who advise a similar diet as mine for people with type 2 diabetes, but then there are the other doctors who aren't aware of anything other than SAD, unfortunately. Nutrition is not something that is thoroughly studied by most doctors, though I have to wonder why. We really are what we eat. Eat crap; feel like crap.
  • Taem2
    Taem2 Posts: 47 Member
    I was a type 2 diabetic who took long lasting insulin, about 80 to 120 units a day with high blood pressure. I was a diabetic for about 5 to 6 years. That was about 2 years ago.

    I don't consider myself a diabetic because I eat right (starch-based with plenty of veggies and fruits), exercise and my blood work and tests came back normal. Also, I fasted for 3 days and on my 3rd day (after I lost 70 pounds) my blood sugar was in a high 70, meaning my body adapted to a lack of glucose. So I knew my body was still working. Oh, and no more high blood pressure.

    I believe it is being overweight is the first cause of diabetes.

    If you think you can manage it forever by using drugs, please think twice.

    Diabetes medications are dangerous for your heart, no doctor nor nurse will dispute this, but they choose the lessor of two evils which is more immediate (high blood sugar). Diabetes medications can push your organs to work harder, which will not do you any favors as it will eventually "give out" and stop functioning. Taking insulin should act as a warning to you.

    If you have been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, exercise (lose weight) and eating right is your best answer.

    I am not a doctor so I say all that because I went through it and can summarize my story, but you have to find yours. Personally, I think anyone can reverse diabetes type 2 as long as their organs still function.

    Go to youtube and search for Dr. McDougall and Dr. Neal Barnard.

    Good luck to you.
  • TheBlackestBeauty
    TheBlackestBeauty Posts: 13 Member
    Different doctors say different things. I have heard it both ways. I have also been told that there is a point of no return concerning the amount of damage done to your body by the diabetes. I believe that once we reach a healthy weight we will no longer be diabetic.
  • TexMexBel
    TexMexBel Posts: 54 Member
    Thank you all for your replies. I will certainly read up, do my homework and look for those diabetes support groups on MFP. But most importantly, I will continue to watch my diet and increase my exercise.

    hugs, Bella
  • deeschange
    deeschange Posts: 186 Member
    Definitely check out the diabetic support groups. There are Type 2 members who when on insulin for various reasons and some of them have now been taken off insulin....Again visit the groups so that you can see and "hear" their stories in their own words.

    I always want to leave hope on the table if at all possible.

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