Metabolic Health

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed? According to Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, the answer is yes. While conventional medicine often views type 2 diabetes as a progressive disease, recent research suggests that disease progression can be stopped and even reversed. Insulin resistance, the root cause of diabetes, can be eliminated through proper nutrition and lifestyle approaches. However, it's important to maintain healthy eating and positive lifestyle habits in order to sustain these results. Nicholson provides five key things to know about diabetes reversal, including addressing the root cause, building sustainable habits, personalizing the plan, implementing a proven system, and finding and utilizing support.

In order to successfully reverse type 2 diabetes, it's important to focus on reducing blood sugar and insulin levels through customized approaches that work for each individual. This may involve very low-calorie or low carbohydrate diets, or even bariatric surgery. However, it's crucial to consider the risks and sustainability of these plans. Additionally, having a support network, including family, friends, medical providers, and coaching, can greatly contribute to the success of diabetes reversal. The key is to find a plan that works for you and stick with it, while also seeking help and education along the way.

If you've been recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. But don't worry, you're not alone. In fact, more than 50% of US adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. In this blog post, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson provides a list of the top 10 things you need to know when you're newly diagnosed.

First, it's important to understand what type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are. Essentially, these conditions occur when your body is no longer using insulin properly, often due to chronically high blood sugar levels. The good news is that these conditions can be reversible in many cases, and there are specific nutrition methods that can help lower your insulin needs.

It's never too early to take action and start managing your condition. The earlier you start, the easier the process will be, and the less damage you'll have to fight against. Your food choices and lifestyle habits play a crucial role in managing and reversing your diabetes. It's important to choose foods that have a positive impact on your blood sugar levels and to incorporate exercise into your routine to improve insulin sensitivity. Seeking ongoing support from a healthcare professional who specializes in holistic approaches can also be beneficial. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with the right support and knowledge, you can take control of your health.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the signs and causes of prediabetes. She explains that prediabetes occurs when the body becomes less sensitive to insulin, a process that can occur over many years before blood sugars start to rise. Nicholson highlights that over 50% of the adult population in the United States has diabetes or prediabetes, including those who are not overweight. She emphasizes that only 12% of adults have optimal levels of markers for metabolic disorders.

Nicholson provides an overview of blood sugar, insulin, and the two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. She explains that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body doesn't produce insulin, while type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't use insulin properly due to insulin resistance. She discusses the diagnoses of prediabetes and diabetes based on various laboratory markers such as fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c. Nicholson points out that many doctors don't test insulin levels, which are crucial in assessing diabetes and prediabetes progression.

The blog post also addresses the causes of diabetes progression, emphasizing that high insulin levels originate from increases in blood sugar due to dietary carbohydrates. Nicholson argues that cutting back on carbohydrates is the fastest and most sustainable way to lower blood sugar and insulin levels. She also explores the impact of stress on blood sugar, mentioning that cortisol release can cause blood sugar rises. Nicholson criticizes the medications and conventional treatments available for prediabetes and diabetes, stating that they don't address the root cause and may have negative side effects. She encourages focusing on diet and lifestyle factors to address the true underlying causes of elevated blood sugar and insulin levels.

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Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights the dangers of under-eating and over-exercising in the pursuit of weight loss. Despite popular belief, these practices are not sustainable or effective. Under-eating can lead to a drop in metabolic rate and the breakdown of lean tissue, hindering weight loss progress. Over-exercising, while beneficial in moderation, can cause fatigue, injuries, and illness. Additionally, excessive fasting can result in the loss of lean tissue and dysregulation of hormones. To achieve a healthy balance, Nicholson suggests finding the right combination of nutrition, exercise, and self-care, tailored to individual needs. If unsure, seeking the guidance of a professional can help navigate this journey towards sustainable weight loss.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson emphasizes the importance of gut health and blood sugar management for overall well-being. While these two areas may seem unrelated, they have a significant impact on every aspect of our health, from digestion and immunity to mood and metabolism. When the balance of bacteria in our gut is disrupted, it can lead to a range of symptoms including bloating, gas, and fatigue. Similarly, poor blood sugar control can contribute to issues like diabetes, weight gain, and hormone imbalances.

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to support our gut microbiome and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A healthy diet should prioritize quality protein, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables while minimizing starches, sugars, and refined carbohydrates. Adequate sleep, stress management techniques, regular physical exercise, and engaging in activities that bring joy are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, supplementation may be beneficial to address specific deficiencies or imbalances. It's crucial to approach health holistically and recognize that when we address one area, others can also fall in line. By focusing on gut health and blood sugar management, we can lay the foundation for a lasting plan of action.