I have type 2 diabetes and have seen several articles and books suggesting that with the right diet and a bit of exercise diabetes can if not be cured at least render you symptom free and relieve you of the need for medication. Is there any actual proof of this. Are there any medical professionals out there who could clarify this for me. Thanks in advance.

Diamond

There is no cure for diabetes as yet. However the symptoms of diabetes can be controlled, mostly by controlling your sugar levels. These levels CAN be controlled through diet and exercise, but its not easy.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

There is no cure for diabetes as yet. However the symptoms of diabetes can be controlled, mostly by controlling your sugar levels. These levels CAN be controlled through diet and exercise, but its not easy.

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Hi Scott
Many thanks for swift reply. I am aware that there is no cure for diabetes but I was hoping you or anyone might have read some of these books claiming to have found if not a cure at least a way to eliminate the syptoms and reduce the need for medication. Do not want to buy these books just to find that they are saying the same as you. Will live in hope. Again my thanks.

Regards

Diamond

Diabetes will ALWAYS get worse.

Abdomen x-rays will make it worse quickly.

Lower your weight to an ideal level.

Get a copy of the Gycemic Index for Foods and limit foods with a high glycemic index. Note preparation method alters the index.

For example: Pizza, raw sugar and white bread are bad for diabetics.

[QUOTE=KISS;2484543]Diabetes will ALWAYS get worse.

Abdomen x-rays will make it worse quickly.

Lower your weight to an ideal level.

Get a copy of the Gycemic Index for Foods and limit foods with a high glycemic index. Note preparation method alters the index.

For example: Pizza, raw sugar and white bread are bad for diabetics.[/QUOTe
Hi Kiss
Many thanks for taking the trouble to answer but being a diabetic I know all this already. I'm trying to avoid being conned into buying books that claim to help you but may be just another faddy diet and not really helpful at all.

Regards


Diamond

I have to respectfully disagree with KISS. Diabetes will NOT always get worse.

I am a medical professional and with the right stringent diet and exercise Diabetes can be controlled and the need for medication either reduced or removed from the treatment plan.

I also have to say it can be controlled.

I was diagnosed with diabetes,put on not only Insulin but metformin and one other(can't remember the name, I no longer have to take ANY of them)

With a diet controlling the issues(which also there was a medication involved which might have triggered the diabetes), non-the-less I am not and have not been on any meds for it for a very long time(more than a few years)

Books and articles stating a cure or somesuch are either common sense or something you can learn by seeing a diabetic dietitian.That is where I learned all I did.

Our local hospital has classes(one or 2 sessions) with a diabetes educated doctor(she actually has diabetes) and you can talk with any of the dietitians anytime you want to call in, free of charge.

I would seek the information you are looking for in your locality before buying books that might steer you in the wrong direction.

Just my opinion:p

KBC

Well, that's what my endocrinologist told me. Diabetes is a progressive disease.

I was Type II and eventually insulin dependent. Started with glyburide and now about 65 units of Levimir per day and about 40 units of Novolog + Insulin sensitizers and meds to prevent kidney complications (blood pressure) and meds for hyperlipidimea which is a complication as well.

Mom, same thing glyburide and now Levimir/Novolog. Dad, just needed Insulin when he was having Chemotherapy.

Make sure that you periodically do a full set of blood sugar readings. Morning fastings, before each meal and 2 hours after a meal. Don't rely on hA1c alone.

Diabetes is a lifestyle change with or without insulin. I wish I would have started insulin therapy sooner and also wish I would have went to an endo first.

This supports my endo's view: Type 2 Diabetes - A Progressive Disease

Type 2 Diabetes ? Failure, Blame and Guilt in the Adoption of Insulin Therapy

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Originally Posted by J_9

I have to respectfully disagree with KISS. Diabetes will NOT always get worse.

I am a medical professional and with the right stringent diet and exercise Diabetes can be controlled and the need for medication either reduced or removed from the treatment plan.

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While I agree with you because I know you are an RN I lived with a diabetic husband and his endocrinologist said she has never had a patient with diabetes that did not progress as the patient aged, no matter how stringent the diet and exercise.

Is there a particular site you would recommend to research this? I don't want to be giving incorrect info.

My husband started with diet/exercise, progressed to the "pills," then insulin - and the organ damage then put him into dialysis.

Just a quick glance (I'm busy cleaning on my day off) and found that the Mayo Clinic has a good website.

Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan - MayoClinic.com

Just because a person is diagnosed with diabetes does not mean they are going to go blind, loose a limb, etc. Proper diet and exercise (dependent on the severity of the diabetes) can control the disease.

To clarify a little bit. I am in NO way saying that the disease can be reversed, nor am I saying that it can be cured.

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Originally Posted by J_9

I have to respectfully disagree with KISS. Diabetes will NOT always get worse.

I am a medical professional and with the right stringent diet and exercise Diabetes can be controlled and the need for medication either reduced or removed from the treatment plan.

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Thanks for help. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and my diabetes does not seem to be getting worse but I do worry about future complications and try to eat as carefully as I can without becoming paranoid about it.Apart from walking I can't seem to get into any other exercise. But thanks anyway.

Regards

Diamond

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Originally Posted by KBC

I also have to say it can be controlled.

I was diagnosed with diabetes,put on not only Insulin but metformin and one other(can't remember the name,,I no longer have to take ANY of them)

With a diet controlling the issues(which also there was a medication involved which might have triggered the diabetes),,non-the-less I am not and have not been on any meds for it for a very long time(more than a few years)

Books and articles stating a cu
This has been very helpful. My doctor is very good but unless you ask questions he might not point you in the direction of a diabetic dietician or classes at the local hospital. When next I see him I will ask.



ocal hospital has classes(one or 2 sessions) with a diabetes educated doctor(she actually has diabetes) and you can talk with any of the dietitians anytime you want to call in,,free of charge.

I would seek the information you are looking for in your locality before buying books that might steer you in the wrong direction.

Just my opinion:p

KBC

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Hi KBC
This has been very helpful. Will contact my doctor and see what is available at the local hospital.

Regards

Diamond

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Originally Posted by diamonds64

Thanks for help. I was diagnosed 7 years ago and my diabetes does not seem to be getting worse but I do worry about future complications and try to eat as carefully as I can without becoming paranoid about it.Apart from walking I can't seem to get into any other exercise. But thanks anyway.

Regards

Diamond

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My husband and I were told that the swings in his sugar were far more damaging than the diabetes itself. Apparently those swings damage organs so perhaps if a person sticks to a certain diet and exercise plan the disease will not get worse or become uncontrollable.

My husband's diabetes was totally under control - and then he had a heart attack. The "heart" diet and the "diabetes" diet are not the same and his diabetes went wild.

His Physicians also REQUIRED both of us to have consultations (yes, more than one) with a dietitician who specialized in diabetes - I was basically the cook and had to know what to do and I wanted to be informed.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

My husband and I were told that the swings in his sugar were far more damaging than the diabetes itself. Apparently those swings damage organs so perhaps if a person sticks to a certain diet and exercise plan the disease will not get worse or become uncontrollable.

My husband's diabetes was totally under control - and then he had a heart attack. The "heart" diet and the "diabetes" diet are not the same and his diabetes went wild.

His Physicians also REQUIRED both of us to have consultations (yes, more than one) with a dietitician who specialized in diabetes - I was basically the cook and had to know what to do and I wanted to be informed.

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Hi JKT
So sorry to hear your husband had a heart attack. Like you I just want to be more informed. I'm not advocating a diy job but the amount of info is enormous and some is definitely misleading so for me the doctor is the first port of call but he is not all that into diabetes and has not pointed me in the right direction. I need a good book that I can refer to from time to time because I can't just walk into the doctor's surgery whenever I need to know something but I don't want to buy anything that's only going to tell me what I know already. So recommendations welcome.

Regards

Diamond

No, you need to see a Physician who specializes in the treatment of diabetes. If your Doctor is not that "into" it, find another Doctor. I agree that being educated is one of the best things you can do; however, you need medical intervention based on many factors, including your age, your readings, other health factors.

As it happens my husband had four heart attacks in a five year period so, as I said, it was very, very difficult to control his diabetes.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

No, you need to see a Physician who specializes in the treatment of diabetes. If your Doctor is not that "into" it, find another Doctor. I agree that being educated is one of the best things you can do; however, you need medical intervention based on many factors, including your age, your readings, other health factors.

As it happens my husband had four heart attacks in a five year period so, as I said, it was very, very difficult to control his diabetes.

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Hi JKT
Treament here in the UK is somewhat different from America. It is not that simple to change your doctor. Most GPs are just that, General Practitioners and one has to go through him to see a specialist and only then if it was something specific. However many thanks for your help. Will bear in mind what you said and all the best to your husband.

Regards

Diamond

I should have been more specific - my husband passed away almost three years ago.

And health care in the UK surprises me - I had no idea.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I should have been more specific - my husband passed away almost three years ago.

And health care in the UK surprises me - I had no idea.

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Hi JKT
Sorry to hear about your husband. Health care in the UK is excellent but no doubt there is room for improvement and it's free. However this is my body and I'm taking care of it to the best of my ability. I do have regular tests to make sure everything is okay but I need to lose a bit of weight and I'm not succeeding very well there. The amount of info about diet is confusing to say the least and this is where my doctor is not too clued up. So I was looking for books that might help but the amount of those is also enormous. When I next see my doctor I will try and be more persistent and see what he says.

Regards

Diamond
:)

Please come back and let us know how this works out for you - and thank you for your sympathy. He was a really good man.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Please come back and let us know how this works out for you - and thank you for your sympathy. He was a really good man.

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Hi JKT
Won't be having a meds review until the 1st of October but will let you know if progress has been made or if I find any useful books or websites.

Regards

Diamond

Control is the key, there is something in Canada and UK they are doing to try and "solve" the issue with adding pig islets from their pancreas to humans. US is studying it but that would hurt the pharmaceuticals and their sales
BBC NEWS | Health | Pig cells 'may reverse diabetes'

There's no money in a cure, only medication (a lifetime)

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Originally Posted by seahwk83

Control is the key, there is something in Canada and UK they are doing to try and "solve" the issue with adding pig islets from their pancreas to humans. US is studying it but that would hurt the pharmaceuticals and their sales
BBC NEWS | Health | Pig cells 'may reverse diabetes'

There's no money in a cure, only medication (a lifetime)

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I take public offense to this - my late husband was a Doctor of Pharmacy AND taught at the Pharm School. He also died of the side effects of diabetes.

You posted an article from 2006, four years ago. You might want to do more research and learn what the problems with the "pig transplant" were.

Do you think for one moment that my late husband was more interested in making money filling prescriptions for people in similar circumstances than he was in prolonging his own life?

And, surprise! If Diabetes is killing X number of people a year and a cure is found the next disease in line will take over as number 1.

Your post is uninformed and insulting and I'd like to see your research about money in medication, no money in a cure.

[QUOTE=diamonds64;2485544]

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Originally Posted by KISS

Diabetes will ALWAYS get worse.

Abdomen x-rays will make it worse quickly.

Lower your weight to an ideal level.

Get a copy of the Gycemic Index for Foods and limit foods with a high glycemic index. Note preparation method alters the index.

For example: Pizza, raw sugar and white bread are bad for diabetics.[/QUOTe
Hi Kiss
Many thanks for taking the trouble to answer but being a diabetic I know all this already. I'm trying to avoid being conned into buying books that claim to help you but may be just another faddy diet and not really helpful at all.

Regards


Diamond

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You seem to be a non compliant diabetic, Diamond. I am a type 2 diabetic and in the healthcare sector of this website.

Are you not able to afford proper medical care in your area through lack of medical insurance ?

If you are a diabetic, I can tell you right now, there are no books, websites that prove diabetics can be cured or controlled other then proper meds and actually no big deal if you watch your diet while taking a prescribed med for your diabetes.

I have been a diabetic for four years now, take my metformin on time, have reduced it to one a day because I am compliant with my condition and approved by my excellent doctor here in Canada.

If you don't like the answers you are receiving here, then you have no right to be here. We are all volunteers and have other jobs to attend to, yet take the time to help people like you to understand.

Ms tickle

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Originally Posted by diamonds64

So I was looking for books that might help but the amount of those is also enormous.

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I'm pre-diabetic and have been reading a very good book by Bob Greene called: "The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes". He is an exercise physiologist and both of his parents are diabetic. He wrote the book with Dr. John Merendino, an endocrinologist and Janis Jibrin, a nutritionist.
Very thoroughly written, easy to read, meal planning, recipes, etc..

Both of my parents are diabetic as well. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled enough to where no medication is required, but it is very individual and certainly has to be re-evaluated regularly.

Comments on this post
tickle disagrees : sorry, scotgem but I don't think this is not a proper response to this issue

Excuse me? Have you read other responses? What is not factual about my response?

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

Comments on this post
tickle disagrees : sorry, scotgem but I dont think this is not a proper response to this issue

Excuse me? Have you read other responses? What is not factual about my response?

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I am sorry you were taken aback by my disagree but being a type 1 myself and knowing a few non compliant diabetics through my work, I just don't think its appropriate that someone suggest diet control for diabetics. Diabetics, type 1 only, can succeed to control diabetes to the point where lifestyle is normal by diet AND MEDS, but not diet alone. When one is diagnosed with diabetes it is considerably upsetting and life changing because down the line, there is really only one outcome no matter how well it is controlled. The outcome is kidney damage, and we all know that is irreversible.

If I could take my disagree back I would, it was done in the heat of the moment and I know you are referring to proper use.

Tick

First the question was about Type 2. Second I said it would not be easy, just that it is possible.

And yes, since my response was factual an negative comment was inappropriate.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

First the question was about Type 2. Second I said it would not be easy, just that it is possible.

And yes, since my response was factual an negative comment was inappropriate.

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Okay, I apologized, didn't I and I gave you a reason why I disagreed. Point taken. I will say it again, I knew it was inappropriate. I am certainly never shy about apologizing.

Tick

Sorry, I didn't specify. As long as you understood you were in error, we are fine.

Yes, Scott, Tickle was in error.

I know of several Type 2 diabetics who control their diagnosis with diet and exercise alone. I actually helped one get off her meds and on to a good diet and exercise program while I was in nursing school. I actually got recognised through the school for that.

Again, each case is individual. Diet and exercise should be approved by the patient's doctor before attempting.

I absolutely will not give in to this assumption that type 2 can be controlled with diet and exercise, although I am not saying that this lifestyle for diabetics is wrong, it is entirely proper at first but must eventually be assisted with a low dosage diabetic med.

Most people with approaching diabetes are diagnosed as 'borderline'. A doctor once told me there is no such thing as a 'borderline diabetic' and after studying the issue of diabetes I have to agree with him. Usually there are contributing factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure; that's where J-9 you state that everyone is different is entirely correct. Someone diagnosed with type 2 and not having these factors involved, can, yes, control their diabetes up to a certain point, with diet and exercise. Eventually however, they will have to supplement with meds and metformin is the usual med of choice with most physicians because it is compatible with other meds for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

I think it is stellar, J, that you cared enough to assist these people to control their diabetes. We are experiencing a diabetic apedemic on the north american continent at the present time.

Tick

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Originally Posted by J_9

Yes, Scott, Tickle was in error.

I know of several Type 2 diabetics who control their diagnosis with diet and exercise alone. I actually helped one get off of her meds and on to a good diet and exercise program while I was in nursing school. I actually got recognised through the school for that.

Again, each case is individual. Diet and excercise should be approved by the patient's doctor before attempting.

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Many thanks J9. I think I have a good diet. Now just need to find a good exercise program. To all others thanks for comments but subject is now closed.

Regards

Diamond

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Originally Posted by diamonds64

Many thanks J9. i think i have a good diet. now just need to find a good exercise program. To all others thanks for comments but subject is now closed.

Regards

Diamond

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You probably do not know this but only a Mod (and certain Experts) can close a thread. This will go on until everyone has answered or is exhausted.

You don't have to read the posts, of course, and you don't have to respond.

You NEED to discuss this with your doctor before taking it on.

If you take this advice without discussing it with your doctor it could lead to permanent damage to the kidneys, eyes, etc.

The info we give here is not meant to be a diagnosis or proper treatment for illnesses. Although I am a registered nurse, I do not know your complete medical history, nor am I able to diagnose or treat illnesses.

I beg you to get approval from your doctor before doing this.

Have to spread the rep J... but couldn't agree more with your post.

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Originally Posted by J_9

You NEED to discuss this with your doctor before taking it on.

If you take this advice without discussing it with your doctor it could lead to permanent damage to the kidneys, eyes, etc.

The info we give here is not meant to be a diagnosis or proper treatment for illnesses. Although I am a registered nurse, I do not know your complete medical history, nor am I able to diagnose or treat illnesses.

I beg you to get approval from your doctor before doing this.

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I can assure you I won't be doing anything without consulting my doctor first.
I was diagosed seven years ago and am a very cautious person when it comes to medication and nor do I believe everything everybody says.

I was simply trying to find out if anybody out there had read any books stating that diabetes could be reversed and if so did they sound possible or just general stuff that one could find on the net. I'm not asking anyone for a diagnosis or what treatment they recommend either.


Regards

Diamond
:(

Diamond, while "symptoms" can be reversed. Damage that is already done cannot be.

Through diet and exercise it is possible to taper down, or off, of certain medications, but again, this is all individual.

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned, but check at your bigger hospitals. Many times they have a diabtetic nutritionist who gives classes on the right foods to eat, and when to eat them.

I do want to make a suggestion told to me by a physician many years ago when my father was diagnosed. ALWAYS carry 5 lifesavers with you. It can help greatly if your sugar drops and you have no other way to get to some sugar.

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Originally Posted by J_9

Diamond, while "symptoms" can be reversed. Damage that is already done cannot be.

Through diet and exercise it is possible to taper down, or off, of certain medications, but again, this is all individual.

I'm not sure if it has been mentioned, but check at your bigger hospitals. Many times they have a diabtetic nutritionist who gives classes on the right foods to eat, and when to eat them.

I do want to make a suggestion told to me by a physician many years ago when my father was diagnosed. ALWAYS carry 5 lifesavers with you. It can help greatly if your sugar drops and you have no other way to get to some sugar.

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Hi J9
Many thanks for advice. I always have a packet of sweeties in my bag just in case. Trouble is I'm tempted to eat them and so put on weight. Will check out the nearest hospital and see what services are on offer there. Thanks again.

Regards

Diamond

My late husband carried some sort of sugar cubes which he obtained by prescription. I no longer recall what they were called.

Soft drinks, candies and the like no longer helped him and he needed something more concentrated. One of the packets he carried (not the cubes) contained a substance which I would put under his tongue to bring up his sugar level.