REVERSING DIABETES

You can do something to prevent -even reverse -type 2 diabetes. A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is often met with anger, shock, and , perhaps worst of all, belief that nothing can be done about it. In conventional medical thought, the disease cannot be cured, patients are not generally expected to make significant lifestyle changes, and at best, complications such as kidney disease, blindness,and amputations can only be delayed- not averted. Literature from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) paints a hopeless picture. However according to president Robert Rizza, MD, "If you stay lean and fit, you reduce your chances of getting the disease by 95 percent. Its almost totally preventable. " The same factors that prevent type 2 diabetes can also reverse it. The Big Lie: "Very few health professionals use reverse and diabetes in the same sentence, says Jamie Ritter- Friesen, MPH, a certified diabetes educator (CDE), ands diabetes lifestyle consultant at New Hope Medical Center in Henderson, Nevada. But the idea that diabetes cannot be reversed is, she says "a big lie," one that keeps people dependent on drugs and brings about depression because there seems to be no hope. When faced with physicians, family, and friends who believe deteriorating health is inevitable after a diabetes diagnosis, says Ritter - Friesen, "it:s easier to go into denial then buck the system "But in her 23 years of education people on how to reverse the disease, she says, 'Ive seen a lot of people pull out of it, although it;s not always easy." False ideas can be dangerous. A common one says Ritter Friesen, is the belief that if type 2 diabetes runs in your family, there is nothing that you can do about your own condition. Other harmful beliefs include thinking there is no time to exercise or prepare healthful meals, or that it;s impossible to make changes. "Well -meaning friends and family can sabotage attempts at a healthier lifestyle It takes determination to make lasting lifestyle changes, and people need help to succeed. However , there:s no denying that regular exercise and a truly healthful diet are a good way to beat the disease. Stress plays a major role in all kinds of disease, including diabetes. Many people allow life to run over them like a steamroller says Jamie Ritter Friesen MPH, CDE. "Take your life into your own hands," she advises. Have positive relationships, have some humor in your life, take a spiritual walk and let the sun touch your skin, and breathe some fresh air every day. On a physical level a mostly plant based diet naturally results in weight loss, and along with exercise, can bring blood sugar levels back to normal. At each meal, aim for two- thirds of the plate to be filled with vegetables, whole grains, and beans, with the remaining third with fish or lean animal protein such as chicken, turkey or lean beef. A vegetarian or vegan diet has been shown to be an effective dietary strategy for some with type 2 diabetes. As for exercise, walking is a good start and usually begins to reduce blood sugar immediately.