Introduction
High fasting blood sugar is a core issue for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, contrary to previous beliefs that diabetes is a progressive condition only manageable with medication, reversal and remission are achievable. A growing number of people are successfully lowering their fasting blood sugar through diet and lifestyle changes, often eliminating the need for diabetes medications.
Consult Your Physician
Before embarking on any significant dietary or lifestyle changes, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor. As these changes can rapidly reduce your need for insulin and other blood sugar-lowering medications, monitoring your blood sugar levels and adjusting medication with your doctor’s guidance is essential.
Step 1: Embrace Whole Foods
Focusing on whole foods can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. This includes consuming unprocessed vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, proteins, and fats. Insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, is addressed by enhancing your body’s sensitivity to insulin, a goal that can be achieved by reducing insulin needs through a whole foods diet.
Step 2: Opt for Low-Carb Options
Foods low in carbohydrates require less insulin for processing, thereby reducing the overall need for insulin in your body. Incorporating low-carb choices into your diet can have a significant impact on lowering fasting blood sugar, gradually allowing for better carbohydrate tolerance as insulin sensitivity improves.
Step 3: Be Strategic with Carbohydrates
While reducing carbohydrate intake is critical, you don’t need to eliminate them entirely. It’s about being smart with your carb consumption. Consider limiting carbs in your first meal and pairing them with protein and fat to slow carbohydrate digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes.
Step 4: Prioritize Protein
Protein should be the focus of every meal. Adequate protein intake supports hormone function, maintains lean muscle mass, and reduces insulin levels. Aim for at least 30 grams of protein per meal, preferably sourced from animal products, to effectively manage fasting blood sugar levels.
Step 5: Try Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting involves cycling between fasting and eating periods and can be beneficial for lowering insulin levels. Begin with a 12-hour fasting period and gradually increase it to enhance results. Ensure proper nutritional intake during eating windows to meet your body’s energy requirements.
Fasting Considerations
While fasting, work closely with your physician to adjust medications appropriately, as fasting can drastically reduce your insulin needs. It’s not about reducing overall food intake but about maintaining a low-insulin state to enhance insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes remission is possible through informed dietary and lifestyle changes. By embracing whole foods, opting for low-carb and strategic carbohydrate consumption, prioritizing protein, and considering intermittent fasting, many individuals can reduce or eliminate their reliance on diabetes medications. Always ensure these changes are undertaken with medical guidance to ensure safety and efficacy.
Final Thoughts
As you explore these strategies, remember the importance of professional medical supervision. Whether you’re newly learning about diabetes management possibilities or seeking to optimize your current routine, making these changes under informed medical advice will lead to the best outcomes.
