Diabetes

[cabinfever]

I keep reading to find a definitive answer but it never seems to be a clear answer - the one I am looking for. I do have a chance now to have an in office doctor visit which I am going to take.

What I am wondering - has anyone had experience or known someone who has reversed their diabetes? On my last phone visit with my primary physician he said I was pre-diabetes now. My numbers daily go between 88 and 114 for a year or so now. I know that a 120 is when the diabetes starts.

When I was in my 20s my doctor told me I was hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and I would be in danger of having diabetes in the future which I thought was weird - like why would low blood sugar lead to high blood sugar? - but he was right so I am wondering if it is actually possible to reverse diabetes without being hypoglycemic again?

I am trying to eat more but since covid and losing my appetite I eat a fraction of what I used to eat and I have been at the exact "perfect" weight for my height and age for over a year now.

My question is - is reversing diabetes common and does it stay that way or can you get it again?

 

[KaraBulut]

...My question is - is reversing diabetes common and does it stay that way or can you get it again?

Backing up a step...

There are two types of diabetes in men. One is not reversible. The other can be managed to the point that it does not require medication.

The non-reversible type is referred to as type 1 diabetes. It is caused by non-reversible damage to the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It tends to be diagnosed in adolescence which is why it used to be referred to as "juvenile diabetes". Type 1 requires insulin. The only permanent cure is a pancreas transplant.

The type that you probably were diagnosed with is type 2 diabetes. It is a metabolic disorder where the body develops an inability to regulate blood sugar even though insulin levels are normal or high. This form can be managed by oral medication but because the disease is associated with diet and excessive weight, it can sometimes be regulated by avoiding foods that result in rapid rise in blood sugar, weight management and exercise.

Some practitioners were taught that hypoglemia is a risk factor for diabetes. Some practitioners refer to "pre-diabetes". Both are not really in keeping with current knowledge of diabetes. As one diabetes researcher put it, "It's like saying pre-pregnant. Either you're diabetic or you're not".

The current diagnostic criteria doesn't solely dependent upon plasma glucose levels. There's another test called HbA1C- it's a measure of levels of glucose over long period of time since protracted periods of high plasma glucose causes the glucose to bind with hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The A1C level increases with longer periods of elevated glucose, so the higher the A1C, the more indicative of protracted dysregulation of blood sugar which is criteria for a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis.

I have known many people with Type 2 Diabetes who were able to avoid taking medication by exercising, keeping their weight down and consuming a low-glycemic diet. They are still diabetic, however their diabetes is managed without medication.

 

[cabinfever]

Thanks for the input Kara - I do have type 2 and what you said about hypoglemia makes sense and why I couldn't find a definitive answer. I got that diagnosis in the early 1980s and I remember thinkinbg at the time I had something called epstein-barr disease (so much for self diagnosis)

The analogy of pre-diabetes also makes sense so I assume I don't have diabetes at the moment for from the last year. I do still take my metformin but I might try a couple weeks without the med and see if my blood sugar changes. , My weight and diet is optimal I think at the moment and has been for quite awhile now (ironically thanks to covid). I could ramp up the exercise 50% and see what a difference it makes as well. I 'd like to do that right away before I see the doctor in person and see what he has to say.

Thanks again!

 

[cabinfever]

I forgot to say - what I was also looking for in my searches was any info that stated that getting past diabetes with normal blood sugar would lead back to hypoglycemia and at what point? - like a see saw thing.

Is it safe to assume since current knowledge does not support hypoglycemia with future diabetes that getting rid of diabetes does not indicate a return to hypoglycemia?

 

[KaraBulut]

I forgot to say - what I was also looking for in my searches was any info that stated that getting past diabetes with normal blood sugar would lead back to hypoglycemia and at what point? - like a see saw thing.

Is it safe to assume since current knowledge does not support hypoglycemia with future diabetes that getting rid of diabetes does not indicate a return to hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes is usually connected to diet. We see a lot of type 2 diabetics who have taken their insulin or oral medication and then they forget to eat which triggers hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia happens less often in type 2 diabetes because it's not just a regulation issue- the body is producing plenty of insulin. The problem is that the cells aren't absorbing the glucose circulating in the blood.

What insulin does is trigger the cells in the body to absorb glucose. In type 2 diabetes, there's a metabolic abnormality that causes cells to not respond to insulin. This insulin-resistance is what causes the blood glucose to continue to rise. The way to think of it is that diabetes is causing two problems- there's too much glucose in the blood and not enough inside the cells.

 

[cabinfever]

Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes is usually connected to diet. We see a lot of type 2 diabetics who have taken their insulin or oral medication and then they forget to eat which triggers hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia happens less often in type 2 diabetes because it's not just a regulation issue- the body is producing plenty of insulin. The problem is that the cells aren't absorbing the glucose circulating in the blood.

What insulin does is trigger the cells in the body to absorb glucose. In type 2 diabetes, there's a metabolic abnormality that causes cells to not respond to insulin. This insulin-resistance is what causes the blood glucose to continue to rise. The way to think of it is that diabetes is causing two problems- there's too much glucose in the blood and not enough inside the cells.

I do forget to eat alot now and I also find myself craving sugar which is new - have eaten alot of lemon meringue and key lime pie lately as they both satisfy the craving

 

[KaraBulut]

I do forget to eat alot now and I also find myself craving sugar which is new - have eaten alot of lemon meringue and key lime pie lately as they both satisfy the craving

Eating on a regular schedule is very important for all diabetics. It's important to avoid big swings in blood glucose level.

If your doctor hasn't referred you to a Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE/CDCES) and ordered a nutritionist consult, ask for a referral. They're really the experts on this stuff- the docs aren't taught much about diabetes in med school unless they do an endocrinology program.

 

[cabinfever]

Eating on a regular schedule is very important for all diabetics. It's important to avoid big swings in blood glucose level.

If your doctor hasn't referred you to a Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE/CDCES) and ordered a nutritionist consult, ask for a referral. They're really the experts on this stuff- the docs aren't taught much about diabetes in med school unless they do an endocrinology program.

Thank you again! This is very helpful. I made a note and will ask my doctor and I am not sure if anyone ever told me or not but the regular eating thing might be the problem. My breakfast is always regular though sometimes it takes a few hours before I eat and what I have varies. I hadn't thought about it until I read this but I totally forgot about lunch?? - I might have a piece of fruit in the afternoon but nothing regular. Dinner is mostly regular but I only eat maybe 1/3rd of what I used to eat but at least it is regular.

I do think maybe I was referred to a nutritionist before - not sure though but I made a note to ask.

Thanks again - very helpful information.

 

[ShadowCat]

Remember protein is your friend eggs cheese avocado but also be warned diabetics tend to swing towards higher cholesterol and blood pressure because of the need to change the diet the whole fucking thing is a mess because the statins for the cholesterol can raise sugars, the blood pressure pills might make your hair fall out. Ironically enough my mom has it and when she eats salads of all things just lettuce some tomatoes maybe radishes and peppers following 2 measures tablespoons of salad dressing she skyrockets!! I also cannot stress this enough GET YOUR EYES CHECKED REGULARLY! She developed cataracts in both eyes and was essentially blind for 11 years! as a result of living so long with cataracts she needed a secondary procedure called a vitrectomy (do not google it!) and now subsequent visits to the retina dr a 2 hour appointment that has been resulting in her needing laser procedures at $2000.00 a pop done in separate visits again another 2 hours! If anything feels off in your vision I cannot stress it enough go get checked the time and money now might help you later! Also know that if you have retina issues Trulicity, Ozempic, Rylbesus, Victoza, and Byetta might not be for you as each of these carry a risk of diabetic retinopathy! To truly keep it at bay portion control, protein, water, tea (plain), coffee (no sweetener, 1/2 1/2 is best), and exercise and strict adherence to your diet and meal times the occasional treat is fine but dont over do it!

 

[PrinceCory]

What I am wondering - has anyone had experience or known someone who has reversed their diabetes? On my last phone visit with my primary physician he said I was pre-diabetes now. My numbers daily go between 88 and 114 for a year or so now. I know that a 120 is when the diabetes starts.

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I am trying to eat more but since covid and losing my appetite I eat a fraction of what I used to eat and I have been at the exact "perfect" weight for my height and age for over a year now.

My question is - is reversing diabetes common and does it stay that way or can you get it again?

I have reversed my Diabetes. But I was really overweight. I was pre-diabetic for about 6 months before I became diabetic. So I went on a diet (just watching what I ate, starting with sugars) and by the end of the month on a full blown "diet." In 3 months I was down into the PRE range and in 6 months I was down to the high normal range. I never exercised at all and was retired so I wasn't even active. I continue to slowly lose weight and about to reach the 3 year mark. I'm still about 25 pounds overweight but I am no longer obese (at least at the chart I selected).

There is a thread started a couple years about with 2 or 3 of us telling our stories. If you search on "LoseIt" app you should be able to find it.

So as someone who has never lost his appetite, why did you lose yours?

 

[Nude_Dude]

What I am wondering - has anyone had experience or known someone who has reversed their diabetes?

My question is - is reversing diabetes common and does it stay that way or can you get it again?

I have been a Type 2 - but insulin dependent - diabetic, for well over a decade
This means my condition more closely resembles Type 1 - in symptoms and treatments
As my pancreas now produces almost no insulin (typically Type 1)
and my body is not able to metabolise what little insulin my pancreas produces (typically Type 2)
... I see myself as having BOTH - Type 1 AND Type 2 - combined



I'm now on a Disability Support Pension (for an unrelated ailment) and spend a LOT of time researching all types of diabetes
As well as maintaining an ongoing dialogue with my medical team

There is NO "cure" for Type 1 - but with regular testing and insulin dosage tied to carbohydrate intake - a NORMAL quality and length of life can be achieved


Type 2 (the body's inability to process insulin) is treated with METFORMIN (in daily tablet form), first used in 1957 - NEVER improved on and still the primary treatment to turn to
NOR is there any "cure" for Type 2 - but it CAN be put into remission, with a sugar free - and low carb controlled diet
My Dad achieved this state of "remission" in his eighties
HOWEVER, slipping back into "bad habits" - diet wise - will see glucose blood levels rise again

EITHER type - poorly managed - can reduce your life expectancy, easily, by 10 to 20 years

My best advice is to star and maintain an ongoing relationship with a diabetic nurse and doctor
And sign on to mailing lists of diabetes organisations - for regular developments in treatments news

 

[voltronforce]

Yes I have reversed my Diabetes. Diabetes is a big problem on my birth mother's side of the family. Basically you have to cut pop and refined carbs/sugars completely out of your diet permentantly 99%. Ud be surprised how much food/crap in the grocery store is not really fit for human consumption.