By Melody Gluth
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. There are over 29 million people in the United States that have diabetes, and another 25% of Americans are pre-diabetic and unaware of this. About 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and it remains the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. The majority of those diagnosed have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops later in life for most people.
The primary causes for the development type 2 diabetes are poor eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetics. Obesity is the major reason that people develop type 2 diabetes. Excess weight can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes because the fat in the tissues causes imbalance in the insulin levels in the body.
Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose in the body. Glucose enters our cells with the help of insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. When a person has diabetes, their body is not producing enough insulin (or possibly none at all). This results in the body having too much sugar in the blood. Over a long period, this can lead to serious problems and even fatality.
It is possible to naturally reverse type 2 diabetes without the use of any medication. This requires maintaining a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis. By cutting out sugars and carbs in their diet and increasing fiber and protein, people with type 2 diabetes can bring their blood sugar levels down. Staying away from alcohol is critical because alcohol can dangerously increase blood sugar and lead to liver toxicity.
There are also natural supplements that help balance out blood sugar. A good supplement for improving insulin sensitivity is chromium picolinate. A recommended dose is 600 micrograms daily. Another supplement that you most likely already have in your spice cabinet is cinnamon. Taking two teaspoons daily can help improve control over blood sugar. Fish oil can also be helpful in balancing blood sugar. Taking 1,000 milligrams of fish oil daily is helpful because omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper insulin function. Fiber is also another great supplement that can help control glucose. Ten grams of fiber per day from vegetables and seeds will help balance blood sugar.
People with type 2 diabetes who successfully lose weight can reverse their condition because fat is removed from their pancreas, returning insulin production to a normal range. The condition is reversed and the person is essentially cured of their diabetes.
Some people are more susceptible to diabetes than others. Genetics does play a role in whether or not a person develops diabetes, so it may be best to know your family’s medical history. If you are worried about developing diabetes or if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, there are measures you can take to prevent further development.
Losing weight and eating better is one of the most important steps you can take. A low fat, high-fiber diet can help prevent the onslaught of diabetes. Eliminating fat through diet and exercise can also help people who are prediabetic. When someone is prediabetic, it is easier for them to bring their glucose readings down. Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is also important.
It is important to take measures to either prevent or reverse diabetes. If you are at risk, an improvement in your diet and exercise routine can make a huge impact on your