Diabetes is not a Disease

[Kenny3]

Sir Muir Gray an eminent Doctor who is on several advisory boards of the NHS and has a couple of Honorary Professorships from several Universities has claimed that Type 2 is not a real disease but a walking syndrome condition which can be largely treated by diet and walking,and in a few cases it probably can be. He also claims that millions of pounds year is spent on needless medication. Not many people in the Medical World seem to agree with him. He has been slated for giving many Type 2 diabetics the idea that they can give up medication and rely on diet and exercise.There are 3.6 million app. Type 2s in the UK.For myself,I will keep taking my medication until told by doctors to stop. Kenny

Another article in the Daily mail, his time by a Doctor Michael Mosley regarding Diabetes not being a "disease" He agrees with Sir Muir Gray about treating diabetes with diet and exercise. I can actually believe it to be possible. When I was told back in Mid November about my diabetes,I immediately started on my diet and exercise regime and came down to 13.5 Stone from just over 15 stone. My blood glucose and pressure levels came down to acceptable readings. At that time I was on 1 Metaformin and 1 Simvastan tablet a day. Now I am on 4xmetaformin, 1 simvastan and 1 Ramopril per day. I can`t help wondering, are the extra tablets really necessary? Also, is it possible that if anybody takes any kind of tablet for any condition over a period of time, that their body could put an unnecessary reliance on the tablets? Kenny

 

[bulkbiker]

Now I am on 4xmetaformin, 1 simvastan and 1 Ramopril per day. I can`t help wondering, are the extra tablets really necessary

You do realise that you don't have to take them don't you..?
It's your choice. A lot of us either didn't start or gave up taking tablets when we decided on diet control and have managed quite well since. Recording what you eat and monitoring your blood sugar levels will give you a good view on what is good for you to keep levels lower.

 

[zand]

Now I am on 4xmetaformin, 1 simvastan and 1 Ramopril per day. I can`t help wondering, are the extra tablets really necessary?

I would look at the benefits and drawbacks of each drug and then chat to your doctor about them. That's what I did, I picked the one I wanted to stop, then asked my GP and he agreed. Some folks on here take metformin and ramopril as protection against other conditions, but you will have to google/research this and see if it's worth it for you. I asked for the Ramipril to go first because it made me cough and I already have enough problems with my throat. I wouldn't ever take a statin anyway, but metformin is a well tested 'good' drug in many respects. Just my opinion of course. You need find what's right for you.

 

[Resurgam]

I find that NOT taking the tablets - being out on a limb against the advice of the health care people, keeps my mind focused and my resolution strong. I have to make this work by my own efforts and not have to go back to the doctor admitting I was wrong, and it has defeated me. So far so good.

 

[serenity648]

Looking at the synopsis of the book on that link, its basic info anyone can read on the internet. 82 pages of telling us walking is good for us and burns calories - who would have thought it? and £4.95 for the privilege of reading such groundbreaking words of wisdom too - a bargain!!!

(tongue firmly in cheek)

 

[ickihun]

My endocrologist isn't an author but he would wipe the floor with his walking solution. Especially since 40% of his patients cannot walk/exercise.
That's why the patient gets referred to a specialist. They need specialist help! They don't fit the norm.
What is the norm anyway? Someones ideal?

 

[serenity648]

Yep, and what about all the slim and/or energetic type 2's? ; )

 

[David_A_Hughes]

That made me look up the definition to see what constituted a disease and I got this.

"noun
1.
a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, orsystem of the body resulting from the effect of genetic ordevelopmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors; illness;sickness; ailment."

It seems if something breaks due to a nutritional deficiency then it is a disease.

Well, to be honest I really don't care whether it's a disease or a condition. I've got it and I don't like it.

I do my best to manage it - LCHF, a fair amount of exercise, prescribed medication and so on.....and I still don't like it.

 

[Squire Fulwood]

Well, to be honest I really don't care whether it's a disease or a condition. I've got it and I don't like it.

I do my best to manage it - LCHF, a fair amount of exercise, prescribed medication and so on.....and I still don't like it.

A logical attitude Harpo. I also have it and I wish I did my best to manage it but I stray.

 

[Debzz_]

A logical attitude Harpo. I also have it and I wish I did my best to manage it but I stray.

Human nature to stray I think Squire - and plenty that don't admit it

 

[Tweetypie]

Hello, I would like to state my opinion on this please. Please note that it is merely my opinion about my condition and as such, should not be considered medical advice.

I treat my diabetes as a condition. I go as far as to say, I have an intolerance to certain carbohydrates and amounts of them. I manage it by doing what works for me, which is controlling type and amount of sugars and carbohydrates I ingest and at what times in my day. I discovered new things to enjoy in life again, such as walking, swimming, horseriding etc and these all help my intolerance. There is a huge stress and emotional element to my condition, so I address that too. I maintain a weight that is good for me and sustain a lifestyle that suits me. Changing my lifestyle has allowed me to live a life that I am suited to and not to be a slave to life's temptations. I still absolutely LOVE food and that is half the problem, food is very addictive, but I have learnt to enjoy new foods and learnt that controlling what I eat helps me to be in control of my life too.

Labels are not helpful. People defy medical opinion every single day and I don't see why diabetes should be any different. In the early days of my condition, I listened and respected everything I was told to do by doctors and did it. The medical profession help save lives and serve their purpose, but there comes a day when we all have to find our own way and form our own opinions and that's what life's all about, really.

I strongly believe it's what works for YOU. And that is not necessarily right for the next person. There is no right or wrong or one size fits all.

Diabetes is a part of me. It does not define me.

*Please always follow your medical advice, but don't be afraid of doing your own research and find out what works for you. Be sensible.

 

[JohnEGreen]

My GP says he always needs a few days notice of one my appointments because he knows there is going to be a debate and he needs to prepare. Heed their advice but keep them on their toes.

 

[JohnEGreen]

Yep, and what about all the slim and/or energetic type 2's? ; )

Case in point Sir Steve Redgrave diagnosed while actively engaged in his sport.

 

[lindisfel]

I'm surprised you can still walk Kenny weighed down with all that simvastatin! D.

Another article in the Daily mail, his time by a Doctor Michael Mosley regarding Diabetes not being a "disease" He agrees with Sir Muir Gray about treating diabetes with diet and exercise. I can actually believe it to be possible. When I was told back in Mid November about my diabetes,I immediately started on my diet and exercise regime and came down to 13.5 Stone from just over 15 stone. My blood glucose and pressure levels came down to acceptable readings. At that time I was on 1 Metaformin and 1 Simvastan tablet a day. Now I am on 4xmetaformin, 1 simvastan and 1 Ramopril per day. I can`t help wondering, are the extra tablets really necessary? Also, is it possible that if anybody takes any kind of tablet for any condition over a period of time, that their body could put an unnecessary reliance on the tablets? Kenny

 

[lindisfel]

Case in point Sir Steve Redgrave diagnosed while actively engaged in his sport.

Doesnt he still sponsor Cornflakes?

 

[lindisfel]

Cancer can't be caught but it sure is a b.a.disease!

I'm sure it's not a disease, it can't be caught or transmitted from person to person. It's a condition that can be managed, to some extent, by diet, exercise and medication. This is what I've been led to believe and, until I'm given substantive evidence to the contrary, it's what I'll continue to believe.

 

[JohnEGreen]

Doesnt he still sponsor Cornflakes?

Your point being. what ever he promotes or does not promote he is a T2 diabetic who became so while leading an active life.
The same applies to Billie Jean King and Smoking Joe Frazier. I'm sure they got paid for promoting various things the ethics of that is another matter.

 

[lindisfel]

Avoiding cognitive dissonance, John, trumps financial interests in those who try to help others. I honestly couldn't see athelete and scientist Prof Tim Noakes, T2D, doing that sort of thing. I was merely pointing out the incongreguity for someone who is sensitive to carbs and and carb loading promoting refine carbs. regards Derek

Your point being. what ever he promotes or does not promote he is a T2 diabetic who became so while leading an active life.
The same applies to Billie Jean King and Smoking Joe Frazier. I'm sure they got paid for promoting various things the ethics of that is another matter.

 

[JohnEGreen]

I accept that, but I was giving him as an example of an athletic T2 not as an exempelar.

 

[Oldvatr]

He is a real medical doctor. When I looked him up though, google described him as an author. He is bringing out a book about diabetes being "walking deficiency syndrome" and not a disease. I don't know who his target market for this book is to be honest. I wouldn't buy it, but then I live in a smokeless zone.

Put his book in the smallest room in the house - someone will find a wee use for it. OR tear the pages out and hang them on a nail next to the throne - then wait for the penny to drop.

Personally I look on it as being a condition or ailment. (alimentary of course). His advice is not that far removed from what the Newcastle Diet people are claiming, so he is closer to the mark compared to many so called 'experts'. I have not yet given up all my meds yet, but diet changes have allowed me to significantly reduce my pill count, and my GP is asking me to take the next step and drop another pill from my scrip Far cry from 18 months ago when I was being referred for insulin therapy as a last resort.

I just wish said learned gentleman would define what he means by diet. I believe he is in the Eatwell#2 camp, which I don't think is helpful. But then we are all on a learning curve. Do you Bant?