Reversing Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use the insulin effectively. Insulin being a hormone secreted by the Pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

• The pancreas produces little or no insulin. It often starts during childhood or the teen years. 

  
  

  Type 2 Diabetes
• The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. It's more common in people older than 40, but it's also increasing in children. 

  
  

  Symptoms of diabetes include: increased hunger, increased thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme fatigue, and sores that don't heal.

  
  

  Role of Diet in Diabetes Reversal

  Every patient's diet must be customised based on age, activities, muscle mass size and resting energy expenditure.

  
  

  

  
  

  The goal of nutrition management of diabetes is to maintain desirable blood glucose and blood lipid level, optimal nutritional status, and reach and maintain a healthy weight.

  
  

  Recommendations are 50-60% of the calories should be from carbohydrates (more from complex carbohydrates and lesser from simple ones), fat should be limited to 30% of total calories, and protein should provide 15-20% of total calories.

  It is essential to include lean proteins from foods like beans, almonds and tofu. Foods high in protein promote satiety, which helps control appetite and maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

  
  

  Food with low glycaemic index, rich in fibres like vegetables, good quality protein such as beans, lentils, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy proteins and nuts are recommended.

  
  

  High glycaemic index foods, such as white rice, sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks, and junk food, must be avoided.

  Role of Physical Activity in Diabetes Reversal

  
  

  

  Physical activity should be customised according to patient BMI, waist-hip ratio, lean body mass and muscle index.

  
  

  30–45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5–6 days per week, is recommended.