Is It Possible For Type 1 Diabetes To Go Away?

I Reversed My Diabetes In Just 11 Days - By Going On A Starvation Diet

A family bereavement, high blood pressure, an unavoidable job change. I thought everything came in threes — but I was wrong. There was more bad news around the corner. I was a fit 59-year-old and had just had an annual health check at my GP surgery. This revealed I had high blood sugar — 9millimoles per litre, whereas a normal level is 4-6mmol/l — and my doctor suggested I could have diabetes. Further tests confirmed that, yes, I was type 2 diabetic. I was stunned. I have always been a healthy weight (I am 5ft 7in and just 10st 7lb), had no family history of diabetes, ate a healthy diet, never smoked, and I definitely did not have a sweet tooth. Determined to find a solution, I began researching the condition and how to beat it. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to keep glucose levels normal (in type 1, the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether), and if I didn’t take action, I would be 36 per cent more likely to die early and could suffer bad sight, poor kidneys, heart failure and strokes. I’d also eventually be on medication. My GP said that my diabetes was mild enough to be controlled through diet alone, and gave me a wad of leaflets on nutrition for diabetics. I took up salads, cut down on carbohydrates and ate my five-a-day — but progress was slow. Over seven months I shed a stone but my blood sugar was still too high — around 7mmol/l. Not satisfied with this, further internet research threw up a more drastic approach. Scientists at Newcastle University had devised a radical low-calorie diet that studies suggested could reverse diabetes in under eight weeks. This involved eating just 800 calories a day (a man’s recommended intake is 2,500) — 600 calories from meal replacement shakes and soups and 200 calories fr Continue reading >>

Type 1 Diabetes

Print Overview Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Different factors, including genetics and some viruses, may contribute to type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults. Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications. Symptoms Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms can appear relatively suddenly and may include: Increased thirst Frequent urination Bed-wetting in children who previously didn't wet the bed during the night Extreme hunger Unintended weight loss Irritability and other mood changes Fatigue and weakness Blurred vision When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if you notice any of the above signs and symptoms in you or your child. Causes The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body's own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes include: Genetics Exposure to viruses and other environmental factors The role of insulin Once a significant number of islet cells are destroyed, you'll produce little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland situated behind and below the stomach (pancreas). The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin circulates, allowing sugar to enter your cells. Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. As your blood sugar level drops, so does the secre Continue reading >>

How Is Diabetes Treated In Children?

Download PDF (713 K) On this page Is your child packing on the pounds? Becoming a couch potato? Then he or she may be at risk for getting type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes once occurred mainly in adults who are overweight and over 40, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Today, it is increasingly diagnosed in youths age 10 to 19. Why is this happening? Because just like adults, kids are heavier now. An estimated 1 in 6 children and teens is obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with a family history of diabetes, being overweight and inactive are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes, says Ilan Irony, M.D., an endocrinologist at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two main types of diabetes—type 1 and type 2—are treatable, says Irony. “In addition to changes in diet and a healthier lifestyle, treatments can help control blood sugar and prevent or delay long-term complications of diabetes.” FDA-approved treatments for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are all about keeping the blood sugar (glucose) levels in a normal range. But there is no one treatment that works for everybody, says Irony. And treatments may need to be changed if side effects of a particular medication are not tolerated. Also, additional medications may need to be added as diabetes gets worse over time. Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children starting at age 12 or 13, says Irony. “In children, the disease tends to get worse in puberty when the body produces hormones that make insulin less effective,” he says. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. “The first line of treatment is a healthy diet and other lifestyle changes,” says Irony. “If a child is ov Continue reading >>

Natural Treatment For Type I Diabetes – The Treatment

Three Articles On Type I Diabetes: Article #1: Introduction To Type I Diabetes Article #2: Possible Causes of Type 1 Diabetes Article #3: The Treatment of Type I Diabetes (This Article) One of the puzzling issues surrounding Type I diabetes is why new beta cells are not made by the body. If they were made by the body, and if the cause of diabetes went away (such as the body cleaning out abnormal proteins), the person's diabetes would, over the years, go away. However, as has been seen above, there are situations where any new beta cell will be killed by a virus or the immune system as soon as they are made. Because the pancreas is capable of healing itself, and because the cause of diabetes causes a lifetime dependency on insulin, it is highly possible that whatever causes diabetes stays in the body to continue killing new beta cells. This may include scars. Bacteria, fungus, virus, etc. would certainly fit into this category, as would whatever causes auto-immune reactions. But almost all causes would fit in this category, including heavy metals and food allergies. In dealing with Type 1 diabetes the patient must constantly ask themselves what may have caused their diabetes and why the body does not cure diabetes itself. One possible reason is that the immune system simply cannot make beta cells. Actually, it may be that the body cannot make stem cells, which may be the cells that become new beta cells. Stem cells are “undifferentiated” cells, meaning they have no features of any of the functional cells. The immune system takes these “undifferentiated” cells and may convert them into “differentiated” cells that have function, namely beta cells. Thus, if there is something, including diet, that prohibits the immune system from making stem cells, this may indi Continue reading >>

Diabetes Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Testing

Thanks to the way diabetes is dramatized on television and in movies, many associate it with its more dramatic symptoms. Many think of the weakness and confusion that comes with a hypoglycemic episode, or the disabilities, like vision and circulation problems, associated with uncontrolled blood sugar. Some may even associate obesity with Type II diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes knows they have it, however. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than a quarter of people with diabetes are undiagnosed. If you suspect you have diabetes, or are worried that someone in your life may have the illness, you should certainly watch out for symptoms, and if you see persistent signs of diabetes, you should seek a definitive diagnosis. The greatest threat diabetes poses is the damage that high blood sugar does to a person’s health over time, and the best treatment seeks to keep blood sugar at a healthy level. Left undiagnosed, high blood sugar will gradually degrade a person’s health. But once it’s diagnosed, a diabetic can begin to safeguard their lives against the disease. Symptoms of Diabetes How do people know if they have diabetes? Many of them don’t know, and they’re walking around with an undetected and untreated health problem. Even if you don’t have any diabetes symptoms, it’s important for you to have your blood sugar tested with your yearly checkup, just to be sure your blood sugar numbers are still in a good range. If you do see the following symptoms—in yourself, or in one of your loved ones—you should see a doctor as soon as possible. All of these symptoms can have causes besides diabetes, but no matter what, it’s important to find out what the cause is so it can be treated appropriately. Because everyone is different, Continue reading >>

Labour And Birth With Type 1 Or 2 Diabetes

Your birth experience may be different to the one that you had expected, and this can be hard to come to terms with. Finding out what might happen could help you feel mentally prepared for what may lie ahead. It can help to remember that although the birth itself is important, it is just one step in the journey towards having your baby. Where to give birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you give birth in a hospital with the support of a consultant-led maternity team. It is not unusual for babies of mothers with diabetes to be larger than normal, which could lead to birth difficulties such as shoulder dystocia (in which the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during the birth). This means that options such as home birth are unlikely to be recommended. When to give birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes You will be advised to give birth early if you have diabetes. This is to reduce the risk of stillbirth. It is recommended by NICE that women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and no other complications should give birth between 37 weeks and 38 weeks +6 days – either by being induced or having a planned caesarean. If you have any complications that pose a risk to you or the baby, you might be offered an even earlier delivery. 'I had always been aware that I would be on the ward for high-risk cases. I am so grateful to be pregnant, I’m not going to complain about stuff like that. If there is an issue, I would rather be ready for it.' Svenja, mum-to-be How to give birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes As the recommendation is to give birth by 38+6 weeks, you are likely to be offered an induction or a caesarean section. Diabetes is not in itself a reason that you cannot have vaginal birth. Unless there are other complications there is no reason this should Continue reading >>

Managing Diabetes

You can manage your diabetes and live a long and healthy life by taking care of yourself each day. Diabetes can affect almost every part of your body. Therefore, you will need to manage your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar. Managing your blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol, can help prevent the health problems that can occur when you have diabetes. How can I manage my diabetes? With the help of your health care team, you can create a diabetes self-care plan to manage your diabetes. Your self-care plan may include these steps: Ways to manage your diabetes Manage your diabetes ABCs Knowing your diabetes ABCs will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Stopping smoking if you smoke will also help you manage your diabetes. Working toward your ABC goals can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. A for the A1C test The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent. Ask your health care team what your goal should be. B for Blood pressure The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg. Ask what your goal should be. C for Cholesterol You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. Too much bad cholesterol can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels. Ask your health care team what your cholesterol numbers should be. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. S for Stop smoking Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes beca Continue reading >>

Type 2 Diabetes Faqs

Common questions about type 2 diabetes: How do you treat type 2 diabetes? When you have type 2 diabetes, you first need to eat a healthy diet, stay physically active and lose any extra weight. If these lifestyle changes cannot control your blood sugar, you also may need to take pills and other injected medication, including insulin. Eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and losing any extra weight is the first line of therapy. “Diet and exercise“ is the foundation of all diabetes management because it makes your body’s cells respond better to insulin (in other words, it decreases insulin resistance) and lowers blood sugar levels. If you cannot normalize or control the blood sugars with diet, weight loss and exercise, the next treatment phase is taking medicine either orally or by injection. Diabetes pills work in different ways – some lower insulin resistance, others slow the digestion of food or increase insulin levels in the blood stream. The non-insulin injected medications for type 2 diabetes have a complicated action but basically lower blood glucose after eating. Insulin therapy simply increases insulin in the circulation. Don’t be surprised if you have to use multiple medications to control the blood sugar. Multiple medications, also known as combination therapy is common in the treatment of diabetes! If one medication is not enough, you medical provider may give you two or three or more different types of pills. Insulin or other injected medications also may be prescribed. Or, depending on your medical condition, you may be treated only with insulin or injected medication therapy. Many people with type 2 diabetes have elevated blood fats (high triglycerides and cholesterol) and blood pressure, so you may be given medications for these problem Continue reading >>

11 Things Not To Say To Someone With Type 1 Diabetes

1. There is no "mild form" of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is when the body doesn't produce any insulin, while type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin it does make doesn't work properly. There's a myth that type 2 is the milder form – but it's false. "It is a commonly held belief that type 2 is the mild form and less serious than type 1 diabetes. This is in fact not true, as both type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as blindness, amputation, kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke, if not managed well. "Type 1 diabetes can be sudden onset, where a person may become quite unwell very quickly, whereas type 2 diabetes can go undetected for a number of years. Both types of diabetes need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid diabetes-related complications." – Deepa Khatri, clinical adviser, Diabetes UK 2. You don't get it from "eating too much sugar". "I didn't get it from eating too much sugar. There's nothing I can't eat or drink. And type 1 and type 2 are two completely different conditions. There's two types, I'm talking about type 1, the autoimmune condition. There's nothing I did to get it, there's nothing I could have done to prevent it, and it's not contagious. "No, it's not because I ate too much sugar as a kid, and yes, I can still eat that bit of cake. I can eat anything I want, and I can do pretty much what I want when I want to do it – my T1 doesn't hold me back in any way. It's a lot more than just taking a couple of insulin injections though – there's a lot more to it." – Connor McHarg 3. And it's a serious illness. "One of my major frustrations is that people tend not to view diabetes as a 'serious' illness and will go as far to say that it's self-inflicted due to certain lifestyle ch Continue reading >>

Gestational Diabetes And Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is first seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes before she was pregnant. Some women have more than one pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually shows up in the middle of pregnancy. Doctors most often test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Often gestational diabetes can be controlled through eating healthy foods and regular exercise. Sometimes a woman with gestational diabetes must also take insulin. Problems of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy Blood sugar that is not well controlled in a woman with gestational diabetes can lead to problems for the pregnant woman and the baby: An Extra Large Baby Diabetes that is not well controlled causes the baby’s blood sugar to be high. The baby is “overfed” and grows extra large. Besides causing discomfort to the woman during the last few months of pregnancy, an extra large baby can lead to problems during delivery for both the mother and the baby. The mother might need a C-Section to deliver the baby. The baby can be born with nerve damage due to pressure on the shoulder during delivery. C-Section (Cesarean Section) A C-section is an operation to deliver the baby through the mother’s belly. A woman who has diabetes that is not well controlled has a higher chance of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. When the baby is delivered by a C-section, it takes longer for the woman to recover from childbirth. High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia) When a pregnant woman has high blood pressure, protein in her urine, and often swelling in fingers and toes that doesn’t go away, she might have preeclampsia. It is a serious problem that needs to be watched closely and managed by her doctor. High blood pressure can cause harm to both Continue reading >>

Recently Diagnosed – Type 1 Diabetes Patient Where Do I Begin?

If you have recently been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, you may feel like you have a tall mountain to climb. There is so much to learn and you may feel confused, scared, and unsure of your future. Not to worry! You just have to know where to begin and make a plan for yourself. As a home health nurse, I visited many new diabetics in their homes. They were often diagnosed in the hospital and discharged with very little teaching. How do I use these syringes? What can I eat? What is my blood sugar supposed to be? These were a few of the questions I would be asked at that first meeting. It would take a few visits to get them squared away, but when I left them they were ready to climb that mountain! You may be wondering which way to go first. The steps below will help you move forward after diagnosis and find the help and support you need: Breathe and Accept You’ve just heard the words, Type 1 Diabetes. It’s frightening and confusing. Your entire life just changed in the blink of an eye and you have so much going through your head. Now is the time to just sit and breathe in quiet contemplation. Type 1 diabetes isn’t a sentence, it’s a journey. A journey that begins with acceptance and the will to succeed. A journey that can be done. Just like with any other journey, you have to come up with a plan. You will need to map things out. For now, just breathe. Everything will be fine once you get used to the new routine. Ask Questions This is the tricky part. When you’re still in shock, it is hard to even know what questions to ask. However, this diagnosis doesn’t go away until you are ready to face it. It’s already there and needs immediate and lifelong treatment. We have you covered. Here is a list of common questions that are very important to ask your doctor on t Continue reading >>

Pre-existing Diabetes And Pregnancy

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are planning a family, you should plan your pregnancy as much as possible. Controlling your blood sugars before conception and throughout pregnancy gives you the best chance of having a trouble-free pregnancy and birth and a healthy baby. If you have diabetes and your pregnancy is unplanned, there’s still plenty you can do to give your baby the best start in life. The information on this page is for women who have diabetes before becoming pregnant. If you develop diabetes during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Planned pregnancy Visit your doctor or diabetes educator at least 6 months before you start trying to fall pregnant, if you can. You will be given advice and guidance on controlling your blood sugars as tightly as possible, and taking necessary supplements like folate. You may also be advised to change medications. If you are healthy and your diabetes is well controlled when you become pregnant, you have a good a chance of having a normal pregnancy and birth. Diabetes that is not well controlled during pregnancy can affect your health long-term and can also be risky for your baby. Unplanned pregnancy Not everybody can plan their pregnancy. If you have diabetes and think you might be pregnant, see your doctor as soon as you can. Your healthcare team You may be cared for by a team of health professionals including: an obstetrician who can handle high risk pregnancies a specialist experienced in diabetes care during pregnancy, who may be an endocrinologist or who may be a general physician a diabetes educator to help you manage your diabetes a dietician who can provide dietary advice at all the different stages - before conception, while pregnant and after the birth a midwife who is experienced in all aspects Continue reading >>

What It's Like To Travel With Type 1 Diabetes - Passion Passport

What Its Like to Travel with Type 1 Diabetes This past summer, I found myself on a train headed for Fairbanks, Alaska. A friend and I had driven across the entirety of the United States, up through British Columbia, Yukon, and into Alaska. From there, it turned into a solo backpacking journey through the state. This particular day on the train was special, and it was empowering to be experiencing it alone this day, July 18th, was my 10-year anniversary as a type 1 diabetic. When I was 12, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. A normal doctors appointment quickly turned into a three-day stay at the hospital. I vividly remember my experience there: understanding carb-counting, learning about insulin and how to administer it, and learning the ropes of this disease. I remember being terrified, fearful that I wouldnt be able to live normally. I remember my parents crying. But above all, I remember telling myself that I would not let this disease stop me from anything. That includes solo travel. Traveling with a disability or disease can be intimidating, daunting, and scary. It can make you fixate on worse-case scenarios instead of enjoying your experiences. There have been (and still are) moments when this disability made me scared to travel alone. Traveling already has its highs and its lows, but travelers with diabetes have to deal with literal blood sugar highs and lows, too. This disease becomes a balancing act, and an around-the-clock mind game. But that didnt mean it was going to stop me. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This disease doesnt go away on its own even if you eat well and exercise. And its not the kind your grandmother has Type 2 Diabetes. Like I said, its a balancing act, a constant challenge to keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high Continue reading >>

Diabetes For Canadians For Dummies

Get the facts on treating diabetes successfully and living a full and active life As Canada's ultimate diabetes resource, this helpful guide returns with a new editionthoroughly revised and updated with the latest guidelines from the Canadian Diabetes Association, along with new medical findings. Offering you reassuring guidance for putting together a state-of-the-art diabetes treatment program, this friendly-yet-informative book walks you through all the advances in monitoring glucose, the latest medications, ways to juggle diabetes with daily commitments, and how to develop a diet and exercise plan to stay healthy. Packed with helpful advice, Diabetes For Canadians For Dummies, Third Edition explores the newest data about the diagnosis and treatment of people with diabetes, including children and women during pregnancy. The author duo puts their years of diabetes expertise to use by deciphering information from recent studies that provide new insights into how diabetes affects the body and walks you through the latest drugs used to treat this manageable disease. Teaches you how to identify the symptoms that require urgent attention and how to subsequently treat the problem Reassures you of what to do during pregnancy to help ensure a healthy baby Shares advice for finding the right health care providers, from your family physician to your diabetes nurse educator to your dietician, and more Addresses concerns regarding driving with hypoglycemia Discusses the latest connection between the brain and diabetes and looks at new nutritional data from the latest version of Canada's Food Guide Diabetes For Canadians For Dummies, Third Edition features new nutritional data, facts on prediabetes, and advice for prevention tactics, all of which provide you with an arsenal of inf

Type I Diabetes & Bright Line Eating

Having issues watching this video? Click here. Can Bright Line Eating work for type 1 diabetics who experience severe insulin reactions? I am a type 2 diabetic, not on insulin only pills. But the past two months have given up sugar and flour and tried to follow what I can glean of the diet. Yesterday after two months my levels are totally normal and have already been taken off one of the pills and the goal is to take me off all of it. Diet wise I have been very good since being diagnosed but I got cancer and with steroids found it impossible to diet as strictly. But now am on your no sugar no flour lots of vegetables and they are delighted with the drop in levels. So thank you, I couldn’t afford to sign up but watch your blogs avidly. Congratulation on your healing!!! Sorry for some of the struggles that you have been having but I’m super proud that you are being a huge part of why you are getting better… Along with the medical help! Go you!!!! I have found Susan to be very generous with discounts and ways to make BLE affordable. Please ask! The wonderful big fall boot camp is around the corner! I’m so glad that this question was raised. Thank you Susan for your balanced, reasonable, empowering reply!! This does not seem accurate. Type I diabetics have NO insulin. The cells that produce insulin have been knocked out by the immune mediated reaction that caused the condition. While BLE may be helpful, I find it hard to believe any Type I diabetic could come off insulin. I think she might have meant that the type-1 diabetic may have been able to not have to take rapid insulin with meals if not many carbs eaten, and very insulin sensitive already. However, it would be extremely unlikely for a type-1 who is out of their honeymoon period to not need basal insulin at Continue reading >>