A different approach to type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects 1 in 10 people in the US. However many people don’t even know they have diabetes. How does this happen?
We are really good at finding type 2 diabetes, but not so great at preventing it. Blood tests can be used to diagnose diabetes, but the changes inside the body that lead to diabetes occur many years prior to the changes we see in blood tests.
In most people, diabetes is a problem with carbohydrate, or sugar metabolism. Some of the risk factors contributing to this disease include long-term intake of high carbohydrate foods, sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, and poor muscle health.
The first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes is diet changes and regular exercise, but we often see that people are prescribed medications early in the disease course.
Diet changes specifically means reducing intake of carbohydrates.
The USDA dietary guidelines for Americans recommends about 130 grams of carbohydrates per day. The average American is eating about 300 grams a day - way too many. Carbs are sneaky and hide in lots of foods.
Regular exercise guidelines prescribe 150 minutes weekly of moderate intensity activity with 2-3 days a week of strength training of major muscle. The majority of Americans are NOT meeting these guidelines, and most fall far short.
If most Americans are not eating right and not exercising enough, it is easy to see why prescribing medications is so common for this condition. Some people also find it easier to take medication than change their habits.
Diabetes can be prevented, but did you know it can also be reversed or sent into remission. This can happen with or without medication, but always involves changing daily habits.
Reduce dietary carbohydrate intake and prioritize protein
Implement a regular exercise program to build muscle and improve fitness
Medications may be temporarily helpful, but can eventually be stopped as blood sugar management improves.
How do we change the trajectory of diabetes in our country?
Better screening. The fasting glucose blood test does not tell the whole story, and becomes abnormal years after negative changes have already occurred in the body.
Better dietary guidelines. This is a disease of carbohydrates, yet most people are overeating carbohydrates.
Get people moving. Muscle tissue acts like a sponge for sugar in the blood. Using your muscles regularly in exercise helps improve your blood sugar metabolism. Maintain healthy muscles with regular exercise and high quality protein in the diet.
A provider who gets it will:
Evaluate your risk for diabetes with thorough blood tests
Assess your diet in detail and identify areas for improvement
Ensure your exercise regimen is structured in a way to protect your health
Check in with you regularly to fine tune the plan
It's important to partner with a health care provider who understands that we need to do better for diabetes. Don't settle for basic blood work and a prescription. Build the framework to prevent it from happening and change the trajectory of this disease.
