Editor’s note: Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans, but many people don’t realize how strongly blood sugar can respond to changes in diet, weight, physical activity and other lifestyle factors. For some people, significant improvements can even lead to diabetes remission, making it important to understand insulin resistance, carbohydrates, nutrition and the everyday choices that influence healthy blood sugar levels.
It is time again for “Ask the Doctor.” I particularly enjoy this monthly feature because it gives me an opportunity to answer your questions and help you on your path to health and wellness.
If you have a question or health concern that you would like me to address, please visit the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line.
Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
I have been struggling with type 2 diabetes. I am overweight and trying to eat healthier. Is there a way to get rid of type 2 diabetes naturally? Are there any supplements that can help control my blood sugar? What else can I do? — Tricia K.
This is a great question, Tricia. Type 2 diabetes is very common today. More than 34 million Americans have diabetes—about 1 in 10—and approximately 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, and some people may be able to achieve remission through sustained lifestyle changes. Katy Christian Magazine has previously examined natural lifestyle strategies for managing type 2 diabetes. (1)
Insulin regulates the level of sugar in the bloodstream by allowing glucose from food to enter the cells and be used for energy. It is produced in the pancreas and released into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels rise.
The underlying problem with type 2 diabetes is not usually a lack of insulin, but insulin resistance. The pancreas produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to its signals to let glucose in, so blood sugar remains elevated.
Type 1 diabetes, which affects fewer than 10% of people with diabetes, is different. It is caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and requires lifelong treatment with insulin.
When the body cannot use insulin effectively, glucose levels in the blood can rise to dangerous levels. If left untreated, elevated blood sugar can slowly damage blood vessels, nerves and other tissues and organs, potentially leading to serious complications.
Many people use pharmaceutical drugs such as Glucophage, or metformin, to manage type 2 diabetes. Metformin can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, muscle pain, stomach pain, weakness or vomiting. Diabetes medications should never be discontinued or changed without consulting the medical professional managing your condition. Metabolic problems associated with diabetes can also affect liver health and the risk of fatty liver disease.
The good news is that insulin resistance can often be improved through lifestyle changes. Research indicates that changing your eating habits, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, contribute to remission. (2)
Lifestyle Changes to Help Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
- Avoid sugar, simple carbohydrates and grains.
- Adopt a yeast-free eating program.
- Eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, organic chicken, grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon.
- Exercise regularly and remain active.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Limit or eliminate alcohol.
Supplements That May Help
Supplements that affect blood sugar may interact with diabetes medications or cause blood sugar to fall too low. Consult your doctor before adding them to your treatment plan.
Be sure to have your thyroid function properly evaluated as well. Research indicates that hypothyroidism may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Addressing low thyroid function and related weight problems, along with following a healthy eating plan and exercising regularly, may help you take control of your health. (3,4)
Click here to take the symptom checker on my website and find out whether you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hormone decline.
Healthy Holiday Dessert Recipes
I have been eating much healthier and trying to cut out sugar because I’m overweight. However, I love Christmas and really want to make some delicious desserts—it is such a big part of my family celebration. Are there any sugar-free recipes that actually taste good that I can make? — Marcia L.
This is a great question. A yeast-free eating program, also known as the Candida diet, focuses on reducing sugar and simple carbohydrates. Supporters of this approach associate it with weight loss, improved gastrointestinal health, greater energy, better skin health and improved mental clarity and memory.
For those who are new to a yeast-free eating program, it involves cutting sugar and simple carbohydrates from your eating plan. That means no pizza, pasta, bread, cookies, doughnuts and similar foods.
The program is intended to reduce the foods that feed yeast while introducing beneficial bacteria, or probiotics. My Optimal Eating Program Cookbook explains how to follow a yeast-free eating program and includes food lists, grocery lists and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
If you want to bring a delicious yet sugar-free dessert to Christmas dinner, I have several yeast-free recipes for you. Your family and friends will love them:
- Yeast-Free Chocolate Pecan Christmas Cookies Recipe
- Yeast-Free Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies
- Yeast-Free Crème Brûlée
- Yeast-Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
- Yeast-Free Hot Chocolate Recipe
Physicians Preference Vitamins Is Here to Help
If you have questions about following a yeast-free—or sugar-free, Candida—eating program or choosing supplements, visit www.physicianspreferencevitamins.com or call my Certified Holistic Nutritionists and Vitamin Consultants at 281-646-1659. It will be our privilege to serve you.
Complimentary E-Books by Dr. Steven Hotze
If you would like to learn more about natural approaches to health, including hormone balance and hypothyroidism, click here to receive complimentary copies of all four of Dr. Hotze’s e-books.
Research
- Type 2 Diabetes
- The Prevention and Control of Type 2 Diabetes by Changing Lifestyle and Dietary Pattern
- Thyroid Function and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Keep Your Questions Coming
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and others dealing with these common health problems. Keep your questions coming. Send me a private message through the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/. Don’t forget to mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line. Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question.
To learn more about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center and schedule a free wellness consultation, call 281-698-8698or visit hotzehwc.com.
