Preventing or reversing a diabetes diagnosis

DETROIT – According to the American Diabetes Association diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Unfortunately, these staggering numbers are climbing more each and every year. In this blog I'd like to focus specifically on Type 2 diabetes since it is usually preventable and even upon diagnosis is treatable with the proper diet and exercise.

What is diabetes?

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A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar also known as glucose. 

With Type 2 diabetes your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or is resistant to the amount of insulin it produces.  Simply stated, your body cannot adequately create enough insulin to handle the food (glucose load) you are ingesting.  What are the consequences? Long-term complications like foot amputations, dialysis, heart disease, blindness and even death.

What is the treatment for Type 2 diabetes? Diet and exercise is always the first line of therapy upon diagnosis then medication, which could include oral pills, or injections.

So what does Type 2 diabetes have to do with the sugar cleanse you are currently on?  Type 2 diabetes is widely known as obesity related illness.  We have already ascertained that sugar can, if consumed in excess can cause obesity.  So if you are able to lose weight, you are less insulin resistant and your pancreas can work more efficiently to keep your blood sugar from spiking after and even between meals.

What can you do to prevent and in some cases reverse your diagnosis?

·       Eat more fruit and veggies with fiber like green apples, oranges, strawberries, collards and kale. Take note that potato chips and cake aren't on the list.

·       Engage in 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily.

·       Curb your intake of sweet treats, high fat and fried foods.

·       Eat more whole foods and less processed.

For more information and resources go to www.diabetes.org.