November is American Diabetes Month. Over the past few weeks, we’ve focused extra attention on diabetes, including ways to manage, treat, and prevent type 2 diabetes.
More than one in three Americans is diabetic or pre-diabetic, and my team and I assist many diabetic patients at my weight loss clinics. We frequently receive questions like “can I reverse my type 2 diabetes?”. Patients are understandably eager to reclaim their former quality of life and avoid the severe health problems to which type 2 diabetes often leads.
I’m here to share the good news. In my experience, and according to a growing body of research(1), type 2 diabetes can be effectively treated, healed, and, in most cases, reversed.
...type 2 diabetes can be effectively treated, healed, and, in most cases, reversed.
Though the western medical system has traditionally maintained the outlook that “once you have diabetes, you have it for the rest of your life”, many people now realize we have more power over diabetes than we’ve been led to believe.
The Key is Nutrition
Nutrition is the key to healing and reversing type 2 diabetes. The number-one success factor comes down to what you do and don’t eat, particularly your number of daily net carbs.
For most of my patients who are working on reversing type 2 diabetes, I’ll prescribe a nutrition plan with fewer than 30 net grams of carbs per 24-hour day. It’s essential to work with a medical professional throughout your journey. Type 2 diabetes is a complex medical condition, and there is a critical need for ongoing balancing along the way.
For most of my patients who are working on reversing type 2 diabetes, I’ll prescribe a nutrition plan with fewer than 30 net grams of carbs per 24-hour day.
To calculate the net carbs in a food item, simply subtract the number of grams of fiber from the number of grams of carbs (Carbs - Fiber = Net Carbs).
(Carbs - Fiber = Net Carbs)
In general, this means embracing a nutritional plan featuring low-starch vegetables and healthy proteins. It also means avoiding starchy vegetables, sugary fruits, processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-carb foods like bread and pasta.
Helpful Nutrition Resources
For more nutrition information and meal planning ideas, I recommend these resources from our website:
- My Favorite Foods for Weight Loss
- Health Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables
- How Many Net Carbs Are in a Teaspoon of Sugar?
- Tips for Mindful Eating
- Our Healthy Recipes
Along with nutrition, a healthy lifestyle is also essential for reversing type 2 diabetes. I ask my patients to commit to a daily form of gentle exercise they enjoy, stay hydrated, and practice self love and care.
“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
~ Archimedes
Reversing type 2 diabetes is a journey that requires delicate balance along the way. Be sure to consult with your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise, and work with a medical professional while healing and reversing type 2 diabetes. If you live or work in the Tampa area, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation at one of my weight loss clinics.
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