Reverse Diabetes?
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My blood sugar was 4.4 (79.4) this morning and the doctor took me off Metformin in April so no diabetic meds. My A1C was 5.9 in Late July but I hadn't had a stick of exercise in 7 weeks due to a rotator cuff injury...I expect it to be lower in October or I will step up exercise and lower my carbs a little to see if I can get a better result. I want to be mid 5's for A1C. I eat about 1900-2000 maintenance calories and eat all food groups and try to keep my carbs 40-50g per meal but usually 40-45 as an average and lost 75 lbs. remaining at goal and have a 5lb window. I think that my A1C will come down. I think regular consistent exercise is what keeps me well and I can eat well in all food groups. The one thing I do is eat at least 7 servings of veggies (low carby types mostly) every single day. Fiber is about 45g daily. I eat 3-4 servings of fruit daily too but I pick lower glycemic index fruits. Hope this gives insight into what is possible. I was diagnosed April 2015 and I thought my life was finished. Turns out I now can do everything and more that I never dreamed I could and in pretty good shape. I weigh 136.2lbs and 5'4" and 62 years young. Lol!!! I know it's different for everyone but keep fighting and trying!!! Lots of different approaches to managing T2D. Exercise is a biggie I think!! I think it's bigger than what we imagine. Just my opinion. Have a great day!!!3
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I doubt T2 is curable or reversible, but what do I know. I know my numbers have been in the normal range for quite a while, but it wouldn't take long of eating the wrong things for it to shoot up. Diet and exercise control it, but I'd have to see a lot of research before I'd consider the possibility of a complete reversal for those going back to old habits.
My doc is realistic and says those of us who are T2 are in control and if we are tested while in control, we would be told our blood sugar is normal. In reality, it isn't. At any given period in our lives, even things outwith our control, could make our T2 rear its ugly head. Such as care homes, hospital etc etc. If we're not in control and nobody controls it for us, we're likely to go back very quickly I think. He likes to reserve most meds until later in life, when it might not be so easy for us to be in control.7 -
fattothinmum wrote: »I doubt T2 is curable or reversible, but what do I know. I know my numbers have been in the normal range for quite a while, but it wouldn't take long of eating the wrong things for it to shoot up. Diet and exercise control it, but I'd have to see a lot of research before I'd consider the possibility of a complete reversal for those going back to old habits.
My doc is realistic and says those of us who are T2 are in control and if we are tested while in control, we would be told our blood sugar is normal. In reality, it isn't. At any given period in our lives, even things outwith our control, could make our T2 rear its ugly head. Such as care homes, hospital etc etc. If we're not in control and nobody controls it for us, we're likely to go back very quickly I think. He likes to reserve most meds until later in life, when it might not be so easy for us to be in control.
Yep, I think you're right. Best that we endeavor to maintain control over our BG so that the question "what if....?" never arises.1 -
I used to think I reversed my diabetes when I lost 54lbs ate a low carb diet and exercised daily, my a1c at its lowest was 4.9. Fast forward I got pregnant gained an extra 30pounds ate more carbs....look who's back? T2 who actually never was reversed but Control is definitely possible. And you must try to control it.4
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An article by Dr. Jason Fung talks about reversing T2 diabetes by getting rid of the visceral fat around the liver and pancreas. The thought is that the fat is clogging up the pancreas and once the fat is gone, the pancreas starts working properly again.
I do DexaScans and I lost 1.35lbs of visceral fat. I'm down to 4.47 lbs and I think I needs to be below 2 lbs to reach the level they suggest. I could be off by that. Could be 1.5 lbs, I'm trying to work from memory.
His site is: https://intensivedietarymanagement.com/
May be worth checking out.
My NP has me adding muscle so my calories and macros change each day. I gained 15 lbs back trying to get a handle on what my training days should really look like. Once I get back to the same weight as my last DexaScan I'll re-do it and see what's changed.1 -
It's been 6 months since the doctor took me off my diabetic medication (Metformin)
I just came from my checkup and great news!!!!
A1C is 5.4 with diet and exercise.
NO protein in urine.
NO complications to date.
He wants me to stop my statin to see how I do!!!
I don't think I have gotten rid of diabetes but it's under good control.
I eat all food groups including grains but avoid any white flour or white rice and pizza crust which make my blood sugar spike. I eat sprouted whole grain bread and steelcut oatmeal daily.
Exercise is intense strength training 2-3 times weekly for an hour each time and I have run 4 x 5K event runs this summer and train 2-3 times weekly and I will be adding another core/step class too and in winter I do more swimming..most days I do 11K steps...so exercising the sugar out of myself lol!!
My age is 62 (63 in January) and have been unfit and overweight my whole adult life.
I weigh 136.9 lbs which is perfect for me. Not skinny but getting muscles!! I am 5'5"
Just wanted to share my good results with you guys.
Health and fitness...it's what I want most.
My doctor was super happy!!
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Outstanding!3
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Jane, Congratulations! Your results are fantastic and you are an inspiration to us all. So pleased for you.2
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That is incredible Jane!!! Very inspiring2
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Thank you all for your support!!!! One thing is that you have to always be "on" with diet and exercise. I do have indulgences but right back on healthy train the next meal. A drag but I want my health!!!!1
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I think maybe if its early there can be some reversal...especially in the more "pre-diabetic" stages. For someone like me though...it will never reverse. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 and I was a "normal" active teenager. I gradually lost pancreatic function over the years until now I make only a trace of insulin. I use a pump so I dont mind taking insulin, I am quite used to it after all these years. Problem is I still have that stubborn insulin resistance to deal with that we all struggle with.2
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Your attitude is amazing!!! Keep fighting to keep healthy! Glad you have a pump!!! You are the second person I have "met" that has that type of diabetes.I think maybe if its early there can be some reversal...especially in the more "pre-diabetic" stages. For someone like me though...it will never reverse. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 and I was a "normal" active teenager. I gradually lost pancreatic function over the years until now I make only a trace of insulin. I use a pump so I dont mind taking insulin, I am quite used to it after all these years. Problem is I still have that stubborn insulin resistance to deal with that we all struggle with.
I was full on diabetic (when I was diagnosed I was "sure" I was dying I felt so ill)
Feeling great now and I believe life is what you make it...I hope you feel great too other than pancreas and resistance troubles!!!
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Yes I am generally pretty good thanks
Considering I have been diabetic from a young age I have no neuropathy and only a very mild retinopathy that is just being monitored in one eye. I am a firm believer that it isn't just bad eating habits that make a diabetic. Does it contribute? Certainly...but if it were completely true then every overweight person would be diabetic..and that isn't the case. I think genetics plays a large role (my mother, grandmother and sister...all diabetic) and people with metabolic and hormonal issues tend to have a higher incidence of diabetes. Just like so many women with PCOS end up with diabetes. Such a multi-casual disease that is often so misunderstood. Sort of like....did your fat make you diabetic, or did your diabetes make you fat? Things that make you go hmmmm 
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I was told I was T2D in 1993 took the meds and tried to lose weight on off for next twenty years. I'm Jan 2013 I joined WW and started to exercise (water aerobics, swimming laps and walking). I have dropped -143# and my last A1C was 5.2. My Dr said I may be taken off all meds on my next visit it three months.
I guess I can CONTROL it if not cure it!
Better to diet/exercise to control my T2D and reap the benefits for all the other areas heart, cholesterol etc.5 -
Jimb376mfp wrote: »I was told I was T2D in 1993 took the meds and tried to lose weight on off for next twenty years. I'm Jan 2013 I joined WW and started to exercise (water aerobics, swimming laps and walking). I have dropped -143# and my last A1C was 5.2. My Dr said I may be taken off all meds on my next visit it three months.
I guess I can CONTROL it if not cure it!
Better to diet/exercise to control my T2D and reap the benefits for all the other areas heart, cholesterol etc.
Success! Thanks for the inspiring story of your long journey.
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I think maybe if its early there can be some reversal...especially in the more "pre-diabetic" stages. For someone like me though...it will never reverse. I was diagnosed at the age of 15 and I was a "normal" active teenager. I gradually lost pancreatic function over the years until now I make only a trace of insulin. I use a pump so I dont mind taking insulin, I am quite used to it after all these years. Problem is I still have that stubborn insulin resistance to deal with that we all struggle with.
I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic earlier this year. During a group lecture, this matter of reversing diabetes was mentioned, and I was really shocked. Had never heard of it before.
Nearly the end of the year, and with the help of MFP my condition has not slipped any further into full diabetes.4 -
A question does this dawn phenomenon or what they call a liver dump early morning ever stop. My morning readings are always above 10. And then before supper I'm seeing 6.1 and last night 5.8 so it goes down to normal during the day. Doctor wants me to bring down the morning reading. How do I do that?0
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LinCharpentier wrote: »A question does this dawn phenomenon or what they call a liver dump early morning ever stop. My morning readings are always above 10. And then before supper I'm seeing 6.1 and last night 5.8 so it goes down to normal during the day. Doctor wants me to bring down the morning reading. How do I do that?
it takes some experimenting, as we are all different. for many limiting carbohydrates at dinner and having extra protein, like cheese, for an evening snack. but lowering all your carbs throughout the day helps as well.0 -
Sometimes a snack of protein with some fat helps. Like a couple of whole wheat crackers with some no sugar added peanut butter, or a bit of cheese and nuts. Keeps your sugar a little steadier so your liver doesnt think it needs to give you such a boost to start your day. If you take metformin for insulin resistance, it could also help to take it later in the day instead of early in the morning. It is also important to know if you are having liver dump...or an actual Somogyi effect. There is a difference. The liver will normally dump glucose for everyone in the morning so you have energy to start your day. In a non-diabetic this is a good thing...for us...not so much. A Somogyi effect happens when you have lows during the night and your body dumps glucose trying to correct it. Unfortunately the only way to really check for this is to wake yourself up at intervals and test. If it is a Somogyi effect it may be a matter of adjusting your medications, although the snack will help that as well.
Good luck...may take a bit of tweaking around to see what works for you.1 -
LinCharpentier wrote: »A question does this dawn phenomenon or what they call a liver dump early morning ever stop. My morning readings are always above 10. And then before supper I'm seeing 6.1 and last night 5.8 so it goes down to normal during the day. Doctor wants me to bring down the morning reading. How do I do that?
Your liver will dump from detecting that you need food..i eat a serving of plain Greek yogurt and a small piece fruit like blueberries. You could eat some almonds or 1/2 PB sandwich If you can eat bread?
The other thing is the timing of your snack. I tend to eat my snack later now because I was taken off Metformin and so I don't have that help to stop my liver dumping. When I was on it I had my snack around 9...now it's 10-10:30 for my best control.
Eat a few less carbs at dinner...don't eliminate but maybe you stay high too long after carbs? Lastly have a little walk in the evening.
Everyone is different so these may or may not work for you. Maybe ask your doctor what he thinks is solution if you can't get it down.
Hope it helps!!
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@LinCharpentier,
Well, there are always different theories....
Some would say your liver dumps excess glycogen in your liver to get you ready to function when you wake up. In nondiabetics, this does not produce high blood glucose.
But if you're diabetic with high fasting blood glucose readings, chances are you're insulin resistant and, therefore, carbohydrate intolerant. This probably means you have plenty of food in your "onboard pantry," but can't get at it efficiently for fuel because your high insulin levels are making it hard for your body to access it. The way to address the locked cupboard problem is to reduce blood your glucose and allow your insulin levels to settle back down.
And since your BG is likely high due to carbohydrate consumption in the face of carb intolerance, why would you not reduce your carbs as far as you can, so you know if that works before you wind up on meds and more meds? Only by experimenting will you know what works for you.
I would suggest drastically reducing those carbs (not eating bread & fruit) - having some carbs may be like an alcoholic having just a few drinks... not really getting at the problem, but exacerbating it.
Here's a short vid by a British M.D. who became interested in low-carb management of diabetes as an alternative to drugs - but only after he saw the successes his patients had achieved on their own.
https://youtu.be/LUJE78Rm8Nc
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Thank you Ralf I listened to the doctor and we all know it makes good sense. I just need to get my act in gear. If I feel the need for bread it's in the morning so I'm cutting back to one toast with a protein for morning.
I know I can get this down. Went down yesterday but didn't touch bread at all.
Jane
So shortage of blueberries here I pick them I froze about 30 bags I sell them. I have 19 bags left. I like them with whipped cream. Or a smoothie.
Thank you all for caring. Now I need to care for me.
See you all lighter
Linda in the great white Northern Ontario2 -
LinCharpentier wrote: »Thank you Ralf I listened to the doctor and we all know it makes good sense. I just need to get my act in gear. If I feel the need for bread it's in the morning so I'm cutting back to one toast with a protein for morning.
I know I can get this down. Went down yesterday but didn't touch bread at all.
Jane
So shortage of blueberries here I pick them I froze about 30 bags I sell them. I have 19 bags left. I like them with whipped cream. Or a smoothie.
Thank you all for caring. Now I need to care for me.
See you all lighter
Linda in the great white Northern Ontario
How's the battle going?
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both my parents are insulin dependant I am now on janumet. I'd like to lose weight and go off the meds but I am not sure that genes will keep me on meds
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shinycrazy wrote: »I personally don't think that it's a true reversal, just controlling it with diet/exercise. I guess if you can go back to eating a carb/calorie heavy diet and not have your A1C skyrocket, you might be cured. If you have to continue to watch what you eat to keep your numbers in check, I say that's diet controlled not reversed. I'm talking about Type 2 diabetes, BTW. Type 1 might be another thing completely, if a way to get the body to start producing its own insulin that would be amazing. My mother-in-law claims she had a friend that was able to get his diagnosis reversed, because after losing weight his numbers were normal. I feel like it would be a lot to get my doctor to reverse my diagnosis. She took over a year to finally give me the diagnosis, giving me time to get my *kitten* together (but didn't) So for me, I know that it wasn't just a single high A1c that led to it. I'm very very skeptical of anyone trying to sell something that says their program/book/diet can reverse diabetes. I'm sorry, this turned into a rant and probably isn't helpful. Good luck in your search!
Totally Agree with this. There may be a reversal based on lifestyle and diet, but it is not a cure for the reasons shincrazy explained so well.0 -
mmarshall74 wrote: »I was diagnosed t2 diabetic in Feb 2015.... since March 2016, I've been off all diabetes medications as my A1C went from 10.3 to 4.8 with diet and exercise. When I eat carbs now my body does not respond the same way... I get normal blood sugar rise in response to the carbs and it comes back down in a normal time period. No one would be able to tell I'm diabetic without looking at my history. If I went back to eating like crap and put on weight I'm sure the diabetes would return, but I consider myself reversed t2 diabetic. I understand everyone's progression with diabetes is different and everyone's pancreas function is different, so I'm not sure everyone with t2 can reverse their condition, but I believe I did. I am even wondering if I was not truly diabetic and just insulin resistant due to my poor diet and being significantly obese. Also, I do eat less carbs than before (I ate tons and tons before), but I don't eat low carbs. I try to stay under 220g per day, sometimes a little over but my blood sugars still remain better than those without diabetes. I have lost ~90lbs to date with more plans to lose more.
Im late to the party but....
Wow; congratulations. I hope to do the same thing. This is inspiring.1 -
@cwrig - I don't really disagree, but does it matter whether you call it "controlling" or "reversing" your symptoms, if the lifestyle and dietary changes that did the job become permanent? (Of course, this sort of approach won't sell a ton of programs, supplements, or magic bracelets...)0
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@cwrig - I don't really disagree, but does it matter whether you call it "controlling" or "reversing" your symptoms, if the lifestyle and dietary changes that did the job become permanent? (Of course, this sort of approach won't sell a ton of programs, supplements, or magic bracelets...)
No, I have no problem with those terms.I agree. I have a problem with the term cure, as that is not true, but folks selling books use the term cure anyeay.1 -
@cwrig - I don't really disagree, but does it matter whether you call it "controlling" or "reversing" your symptoms, if the lifestyle and dietary changes that did the job become permanent? (Of course, this sort of approach won't sell a ton of programs, supplements, or magic bracelets...)
No, I have no problem with those terms.I agree. I have a problem with the term cure, as that is not true, but folks selling books use the term cure anyway.
As in "The 12-hour Diabetes Cure,"perhaps? 0 -
Hi I have been deep into the LCHF literature and now the Newcastle University study regarding the amazing results they had reversing diabetes. I also note that the group were awarded a massive grant ever given to follow up with further research. It all seems sound as a pound,. What I can't seem to see is loads of prediabetic and diabetics type 2 taking the eight week 800 cal program and reporting on the success or otherwise. Is this because MFP is so rigid that it won't let us discuss promising new research. It is quite clear to me that the guidelines on nutrition that we have all followed for the last 4 decades has so spectacularly failed us that it is time to open up the discussion and recognise that old mantras of 1200 Cal's just don't add up.
Sorry for the late reply - there's been some discussion lately of the Blood Sugar Solution and other very low calorie diet plans to combat Type 2 Diabetes. Despite clear evidence that the Newcastle approach is a serious, science-based approach to T2D, it does appear that, yes, the MFP goalie considers it to be health-endangering and unproven and has, therefore, closed at least some discussions on the topic.
GP's here in Newcastle are fully aware of the great results from the study and do apply them in practice,with regular monitoring.
In my pre mfp days,docs at my gp diabetic surgery prescribed a 1000 cal a day programme that included a meal replacement protein shake.
I lost over 20% of bodyweight,and reversed a full blown t2 condition into what the GP calls a diet controlled only pre-diabetic state.
I also took part in a weight mai ntenance study at Newcastle university to monitor behaviours of those who had lost 5% + of bodyweight over a 12 month period,and lost another 10% in that period,combined with mfp and taking up running.
In total i reduced from 125kg to a low of 70kg,
Maintaining now at around 88kg(not running due to awaiting tendon surgery).
Just had my annual check up,and still t2 clear and now only needing annual checks.
It is possible to hugely reduce t2 diabetic effects thru diet and exercise,and become med free.
Happy to answer any queries.
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