Is it possible to revers diabetes?
Although it is not really a reality to reverse diabetes it is possible to control and manage it. Type-1 diabetics cannot reverse at all per se, but with careful attention to their glucose levels, regular injections and a careful diet they can live full and satisfying lives. Pre-diabetics at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes are actually able to reverse the trend toward developing full-blown diabetes is if is caught early enough and if they are prepared to abide the recommendation of their doctors and nutritionists. Type-2 diabetics can, to some extent, reverse the effects of their condition if not completely reverse diabetes.
What is pre-diabetes? Doctors define pre-diabetes as a condition where the patient has higher than normal glucose levels but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type-2. If you catch the condition early enough, you may be able to reverse diabetes by losing as little as 10 to 15 lbs. and improving your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides number to normal range. If a patient fails to lose the weight and improve these numbers they will most likely become Type-2 diabetic.
Type-2 occurs when all the elements are present. The patient is most likely over the age of 45 and overweight, possibly has high blood pressure, low LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. Their body has developed an inability to create enough insulin or use it adequately to support a healthy system. As a result they need to lower their weight to a safer number, and get the other numbers within safe range, too. Many patients will learn to use glucose monitors to help them regulate their insulin through diet and medication.
Although, it is not realistic to think one can reverse Type-2 and there is no actual cure available as yet, if a patient can maintain a healthy lifestyle they can reverse the adverse effects of diabetes. In some cases patients who have had gastric bypass surgery to lose weight find they no longer need diabetic medicine. While that is a really great thing, they must continue to keep the weight off in order to enjoy that change. A good diet that is low on the glycemic index with a good mixture of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy will help manage glucose levels and help prevent unfortunate weight gain.
Currently, scientists are using an islet transplant that takes the beta cells from a donor and implants them in a recipient, but the patient will still need to change lifelong habits that lead to them develop T-2 in the first place. They will also need to take immune and anti-rejection drugs for the rest of their lives.
Another means to reduce or cure diabetes that is being worked on at the University of Miami, called the Biohub is essentially an artificial organ that helps the body to create and regulate insulin as close the way nature meant the job to be done as possible. Currently this mechanism is still in its early stages of development, but it shows promise.