Gestational diabetes, prediabetes and PCOS are early stages of insulin resistance. If early signs of insulin resistance are not addressed, then an individual will most likely go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
For a long time, type 2 diabetes has been regarded as a progressive, chronic disease, primarily managed with medication. Consequently being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS and type two diabetes is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with dread, worry and confusion.
Can type two diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes is still broadly assumed to be ‘managed’, rather than treated, but things are changing. Research now shows that type 2 diabetes can be pushed into remission, through diet and lifestyle changes. On the back of that, organisations are beginning to acknowledge diabetes reversal by implementing appropriate lifestyle and diet guidelines. We’re moving in the right direction 🙌
How can it be reversed?
Clinical trials have proven bariatric surgery, a very low calorie diet (VLCD) and a well formulated low carbohydrate diet as effective treatment options for reversing diabetes.
Bariatric surgery is an invasive and expensive procedure with many undesirable side effects, including associated risk of death during surgery. In addition to this, benefits associated with bariatric surgery can be short lived if an individual continues with old habits.
Very low calorie diets are associated with profound weight loss, which leads to an improvement of insulin sensitivity. Weight loss is often coupled with protein wasting and loss of lean body mass, causing adverse health effects. Long term compliance to a VLCD is generally poor, and weight quickly returns once the diet stop.
The last option, a well formulated low carbohydrates diet is a no risk, nutritionally complete and sustainable treatment for insulin resistance. Span are committed to an evidence based and sustainable approach to reversing type 2 diabetes. A well formulated low carbohydrate diet is our chosen method for treating diabetes.
What is diabetes remission?
Diabetes remission is achieved once an individual maintains normal blood glucose and HbA1c below 6.5%, with no diabetic medications except Metformin, for a particular time period. Remission can be further defined into separate classes:
- Partial remission is defined as an A1C less than 6.5% without medication, for 1 year.
- Complete remission is defined as an A1C less than 5.7% without medication, for 1 year.
- Prolonged remission is achieved when complete remission lasts for at least 5 years.
It also worth noting that other variable are associated with type two remission. Individuals see improvement in blood pressure, visceral body fat and blood lipid profiles. A low carbohydrate diet treats metabolic syndrome as a whole.
Remission, not cure
Remission is not to be confused with cure. Relapse is possible, especially if old habits resume with force.
Remember that a one-off, good result doesn’t gives you permission to continue habits that nudged you towards insulin resistance in the first place.
Think of the “long game” vs. a temporary, quick fix. The ultimate goal is to live a healthy, happy life and to see permanent improvement in all biomarkers. Success in reversing diabetes is measured in years, not weeks.
Spread the word, type 2 diabetes can be reversed.
Outdated treatment options lend worry and anxiety on newly diagnosed patients. This is not helpful. Type two diabetes can no longer be considered a progressive, chronic disease. Spread the word and let your friends and family know (you don’t have to tell your nasty neighbour if you don’t want to!). People need to be made aware and given the choice of reversing diabetes.
A well formulated low-carbohydrate diet coupled with modern technology will help more people achieve this. We’re working on it!
Like what you’re hearing?
Stay tuned for more guides, to help you with your health journey.
If you’re interested in joining Span, download our mobile app on www.span.healthor contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org to learn more.
Take care 👋
I’m sure you’re curious about the science behind all this 🔬 Here are some recent medical publications about this topic: