Diabetes has two main forms: Type 1 and Type 2. People with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, need insulin to control their blood sugar. Approximately 90%-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. If caught early, you can reverse prediabetes and even some cases of Type 2 diabetes.
Our board-certified team at Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics is your partner in managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes. Here, we look at what it might take to reverse a diabetes diagnosis.
You develop Type 2 diabetes because your body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, a hormone that converts the sugar in the foods you eat into energy. You might also have diabetes if your body can’t use the insulin it makes efficiently.
Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
Genetics can increase your risk of diabetes, but people often develop this chronic condition because of lifestyle habits, including:
Our team can guide you on changing the lifestyle habits that led to Type 2 diabetes.
Changing habits isn’t easy, but we encourage you to set daily, weekly, and/or monthly goals. That way, you keep track of your progress toward restoring normal blood sugar levels.
You may need medication, but medication alone won’t reverse your condition. You likely need to address certain lifestyle factors, including:
Are you overweight or obese? Losing weight helps control your diabetes and lowers your risk of heart disease, arthritis, and other chronic conditions.
Your provider reviews with you lists of healthy foods and foods you should limit or avoid. We may recommend a supervised weight loss program if you can’t lose weight on your own.
You may need to clean out your pantry and replace current items with diabetes-friendly choices: lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Cut out store-bought processed cakes, chips, and heavily fried and fatty foods.
Don’t skip breakfast; it can negatively affect your blood sugar levels. Change your snacking habit. Eat two low-calorie snacks during the day, and stop eating after dinner.
Are you a soda addict? Regular soda or other sugary drinks load your body with empty calories. Diet soda can also increase your blood sugar levels. Switch to water with lemon or lime.
Physical activity is necessary for healthy blood circulation and good general health. Exercising helps you lose weight and maintain the weight loss.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of continuous physical activity daily. We can help you develop a routine if you have difficulty exercising. Choose an activity that you like so you stick with it.
Smoking can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes by 30%-40%. Your risk increases the more you smoke. If you have diabetes and smoke, quitting can improve your blood sugar levels.
Making these necessary lifestyle changes could put your Type 2 diabetes in remission. Our team can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle through preventive care exams and ongoing monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
To schedule a diabetes consultation, call Irving Coppell Primary Care and Pediatrics in Irving, Texas, or request an appointment online today.
