Managing Type 2 Diabetes with medication is important, but lifestyle changes, especially weight loss, can also play a powerful role. In some cases, people who lose significant weight have been able to put their diabetes into remission.
Key Steps:
- Medication:
- Keep taking your diabetes medication as prescribed. It helps manage blood sugar while you work on lifestyle changes.
- Weight Loss for Possible Reversal:
- Research shows that losing 10-15% of body weight can improve blood sugar levels and may even reverse Type 2 Diabetes in some cases.
- Aim to lose 1–2 pounds per week through diet and regular exercise.
- Balanced Diet:
- Focus on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Avoid high-sugar, high-carb foods that cause blood sugar spikes.
- Eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar.
- Physical Activity:
- Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking, swimming).
- Add strength training exercises twice a week to help control blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Monitor and Adjust:
- As you lose weight, your medication needs might change—this could lead to reducing or stopping some medications with your doctor’s guidance.
By focusing on weight loss and healthy habits, you have a chance to improve your health and potentially reverse your diabetes.