Does Diet help to cure Type 2 Diabetes? 

Right now, although scientists and researchers around the world are working hard to cure diabetes, the best we can do is manage the symptoms. 

The good news is that many people with Type 2 diabetes have learned to stabilize their blood sugar — and, therefore, their diabetes symptoms — with diet alone. We call this diabetes reversal or remission, and our team at Palmetto Endocrinology, can teach you how to do it.  

While medications and insulin treatments may be vital for some diabetes patients, others can live symptom-free for years simply by watching what they eat. Our specialists monitor your diabetes carefully and help you manage your blood sugar by whatever means necessary, including nutritional counseling.  

Here’s a look at the link between your diet and diabetes. 

Diabetes, diet, and weight loss 

While your diet can help manage your diabetes symptoms, being overweight can derail your nutritional efforts. If you’re overweight or obese and have diabetes, the first thing to do is lose weight, and adjusting your diet can help. 

Research shows that a very low-calorie diet may be what it takes to help you reach your goal and reverse your diabetes symptoms.  

Two of these studies involved participants adhering to a predominantly liquid diet, consuming between 625 and 850 calories per day for a period of 2-5 months. They followed that with a less stringent diet aimed at maintaining their weight loss. Researchers discovered that nearly half of the participants reversed their diabetes and maintained their blood glucose levels close to normal for six months to a year. 

Most of the participants who reversed their Type 2 diabetes lost over 30 pounds. They also had been living with diabetes for a shorter period than those with less successful results. That’s why starting a weight loss plan is critical as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis. 

While the extreme dietary approach used in those studies can be dangerous, requiring professional guidance from experienced specialists like our staff at Palmetto Endocrinology, the potential to achieve remission may provide strong motivation to adhere to it. 

How to reverse Type 2 diabetes with your diet 

Your dietary choices are crucial in managing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. What you eat directly impacts your blood glucose levels, affecting how well your body's insulin works. 

Carbohydrates and blood glucose levels 

Carbohydrates have the most significant impact on your blood glucose levels. After consuming carbohydrates, your blood glucose rises, so it is important to control the type and quantity of carbs you eat. Complex carbs like whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables can help manage blood glucose levels better than the simple carbs in sugary foods and drinks. 

High-protein diets and insulin sensitivity 

High-protein diets help you lose weight, metabolize glucose, and increase your insulin sensitivity. 

Dietary fiber and insulin resistance 

Dietary fiber impacts metabolic factors and insulin resistance, so increased dietary fiber intake could help you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and even achieve diabetes remission. 

Diet tips for managing insulin resistance 

Dietary choices that support insulin sensitivity include non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A plant-based diet or a diet rich in these nutrients can help manage insulin resistance. 

Stay away from: 

• Processed foods (deli meat, packaged food, and charcuterie) 

• Sweets 

• Alcohol 

• Fried foods 

• Saturated fats 

• Refined grains (white bread, white rice, flour, pasta) 

For more expert assistance on reversing Type 2 diabetes with diet, schedule an appointment with us at Palmetto Endocrinology. We have two offices to serve you. Call our friendly staff or request an appointment online. 

Author

Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps. Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.