Good Morning everyone,
I was 40 a couple of weeks ago and have just been told I have type 2 which to be honest came as no surprise. My dad has had it for a lot of years and my weight fluctuates between 13 and 15 stone depending on the time of year.
My question is as anyone actually managed to reverse this with diet and losing weight?
I've read somewhere losing 3 stone can sometimes reverse the diabetes?
Thanks
Danny
Good morning Danny,
Good news: Yes, it can be done, sort of. I did it, and so did a few thousand other people on this forum. I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to do it. I added "sort of", because it's not so much the weight loss that reverses diabetes. The diet that gets your bloodglucose down, has lowering your weight as a side effect, as the weight-gain is actually a symptom of (pre-) diabetes. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the weight that causes diabetes, but the other way around. Long story short: Cut carbs, and see a miracle happen. Just keep in mind that it's a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet; if you go back to carbs after successfully normalising bloodsugars, your diabetes and weight (and whatever complications else) will return. Also, while the NHS is finally on board with the low carb program since this year, a lot of dieticians, doctors and nurses are still pushing the eatwell plate, which is kindof, well, not to sound dramatic, but poisonous to a T2. So it could well be you get a whole lot of conflicting advice. So here's what you do: Buy a meter. You're going to have to self fund as rarely any T2 who's not medicated gets one, but it is very much worth it. Basically, you learn what works for you and what doesn't. Like I said, there'll be a lot of conflicting advice. Some people get told porridge is the breakfast of champions and T2's alike. Well, it's not, -unless you're a very, very rare exception- and your meter will be brutally honest about it. It will tell you what's working, and what isn't. None of us have exactly the same level of insulin production, (in-)sensitivity and insulin resistance, so yeah... It's a very personal journey. And the meter is your compass. It'll never steer you wrong.
So, where do you begin? Well, here's a quick start guide,
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/blog-entry/the-nutritional-thingy.2330/ , and of course this forum's website, and dietdoctor.com... And you really, really should read dr. Jason Fung's the Diabetes Code. The guy's a lifesaver. Maybe watch some video's on youtube by Dr. Eric Berg? In any case... You've got a lot of studying to do, but what it comes down to: It's doable, it's worth it, and you'll be perfectly fine. And hey, you may be able to help your dad in the process too. Makes family gatherings a lot easier, if you're on the same diet.
Any questions, give a shout. There's always someone on who has answers.
Jo
