People suffering from Type 2 diabetes may benefit from a three-month-long crash diet, a new landmark study suggests.

The study, presented at the International Diabetes Federation Congress in Abu Dhabi, tracked 298 diabetes patients. Half of the patients were given weight-loss advice and left to manage their condition, while the other half, meanwhile, found themselves taken off drugs and put on a strict diet of no more than 853 calories a day for three months, eating only diet shakes or soups.

Those who started an 850-calorie-a-day diet saw their condition go into remission, thus providing the strongest evidence that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by losing weight.

The disease – largely driven by obesity and caused by the accumulation of fat in the pancreas and liver which would then interfere with insulin production – was thought to be irreversible once developed, with those suffering from it usually just given drugs to control their blood sugar.

According to lead author Roy Taylor of Newcastle University, the improvements reported in their study likely came about as a result of the reduction of fat inside the liver and pancreas, which in turn, allowed the organs to once again, function normally.

“These findings are very exciting. The weight loss goals provided by this program are achievable for many people,” Taylor said.

Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, agreed with the study. She cautioned, however, that those suffering from the disease must first seek advice from a health professional before attempting such a diet.

How does Type 2 Diabetes start?

According to the 2017 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) statistics, there are approximately 425 million diabetics worldwide, of whom an estimated 30 million are in the United States. Despite advances in treatment, diabetes is still largely considered to be a major public health epidemic with at least 1.5 million new diabetes cases diagnosed each year.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your blood sugar level is too high. This happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well.

While anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes at any age, the disease occurs most often in middle-aged and older people – especially those who are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight or obese.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Insulin resistance
• Genetics and family history

Type 2 diabetes, if not managed properly, can lead to other serious health problems such as:

• Stroke
• Sleep apnea
• Certain cancers
• Depression
• Dementia and other cognitive problems
• Gum disease and other dental problems
• Sexual and bladder problems

How can I lower my chances of developing Type 2 diabetes?

While it is a good thing that it is now possible for people to reverse their Type 2 diabetes diagnoses, it is far more important to prevent its development in the first place.

As noted by experts, there are several steps that one can take in order to reduce his chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially if he already has the risk factors for the disease.

Here are some of them:

Eat a clean diet

Type 2 diabetes has been linked to a diet high in processed foods. This is probably due to their high levels of added fats and sugar. A diet high in red meat has also been linked to the development of the said disease.

According to nutritionists, one way to address this is by eating a “clean” and healthy diet, such as one that is predominantly composed of fruits, vegetables and lean protein, as well as healthy fats.

A clean diet, according to nutritionists, can help restore normal blood sugar levels and can even help reverse prediabetes and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Exercise regularly and keep your weight at a healthy level

Obesity and excess weight are major risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. This means that you have to keep your weight at a healthy level in order to stave off the development of Type 2 diabetes.

One way to do this is by engaging in more physical activity, as well as by sticking to an exercise routine.

Aside from helping one maintain a healthy weight, exercise also helps lower one’s blood sugar by increasing the body’s insulin sensitivity for up to 24 hours.

A word of caution, however, if you are a beginner, do not engage in strenuous physical activities from the get-go, as it will only heighten your risk for injuries. Instead, start slow and engage only in light physical activity for 15 or 20 minutes, before gradually increasing their intensity and length after a few days.

Ideally, you’ll want to have 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week.

Stop smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers.

Not only that, but people with Type 2 diabetes who smoke are also more likely than nonsmokers to have trouble not just with insulin dosing, but also, with controlling their disease.

Also, diabetic smokers are also more likely to suffer complications such as heart and kidney disease, poor blood flow in the legs and feet that can lead to infections and possible amputation, possible blindness and nerve damage.

Choose the right kind of carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have a contentious relationship with diabetics: On one hand, carbohydrates can easily cause one’s blood sugar to spike. On the other hand, the body needs sugar from carbohydrates for energy.

To address this, experts recommend eating carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole oats. These foods, experts said, are digested more slowly, thus resulting in a more gradual rise in blood sugar.

Other starchy food items that one can eat — albeit in moderation — include the following:

• Bran cereals
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Wheat tortillas
• Cashews
• Peanuts

Drink enough water

Water plays an important role in human health, more so for diabetics, who are at particular risk for dehydration when their blood glucose levels climb up.

While any fluid — save for sugary drinks, of course — are acceptable to diabetics, water is still the best, as it will not raise one’s blood glucose levels.

In addition, a 2011 study suggests that an increase in water intake could prevent or delay the onset of hyperglycemia and subsequent diabetes.

Not only that, but those who consumed more than one liter of water per day had a 28 percent lower risk of developing new-onset hyperglycemia, compared to those who would drink less than 500 ml of water per day.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, women must drink around 1.6 liters or around eight 200 ml glasses per day. Men, on the other hand, need an average of 2 liters or around ten 200ml glasses of water per day.

Contrary to the ideas being pushed by Big Pharma, diabetes can be effectively managed and even reversed if one were to put in the needed effort.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheLancet.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Diabetes.org

CDC.gov

HSPH.Harvard.edu

Diabetes.co.uk