Type 2 diabetes has become one of the most common and widespread health conditions in India and globally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels resulting from insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. It is often associated with obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. The long-term consequences of uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage. Reversal of diabetes typically means achieving and maintaining normal blood sugar levels without the need for medications. While not everyone with type 2 diabetes can completely reverse their condition, many can improve their health significantly through lifestyle changes. For example, it has often been suggested that a low calorie diet that is rich in different nutrients and constitutes low calorie foods helps to reverse diabetes.
It has been found that around 96% of the estimated 537 million people around the world having diabetes live with Type 2 diabetes. The number of diabetic patients is expected to rise to around 783 million by the year 2045 (Pelc. C., 2023). Remission of type 2 diabetes: When is a low-calorie diet helpful? Medical News Today. MediLexicon International. Available at: #The-Twin-Cycle-Hypothesis (Accessed: 17 October 2023).
Although it is currently not possible to cure Type 2 diabetes completely, it is true that its symptoms can be managed and in some cases, even reversed through weight loss and lifestyle changes like exercising and following a healthy diet.
Many recent studies have suggested the use of low-calorie diets for the reversal of diabetes. In most cases, people on low-calorie diets consume around 1000-1500 calories a day, depending on specific needs. Thus the purpose of following a low-calorie dietary plan is to create a calorie deficit that will ultimately result in weight loss. Having a continuous 500-1000 calorie deficit can help people lose around 1 to 2 pounds per week. As a diabetic, a healthy diet must comprise lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, low-fat or fat-free dairy and limiting saturated fat, sugar and sodium as much as possible. For learning the best and worst foods for diabetes, refer to DocTubeTM. Insulin resistance is one of the major features of Type 2 diabetes and weight loss is effective in reducing insulin resistance (Bhatt, A.A., Choudhari, P.K., Mahajan, R.R., Sayyad, M.G., Pratyush, D.D., Hasan, I., Javherani, R.S., Bothale, M.M., Purandare, V.B. and Unnikrishnan, A.G., 2017. Effect of a low-calorie diet on restoration of normoglycemia in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 21(5), p.776). This way it may be stated that following a low calorie diet helps to reverse diabetes. Let us explain in detail how following a low-calorie diet may help diabetic patients.
Role of a low calorie diet
1. Weight Loss
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance. As stated above, a low-calorie diet, which reduces overall caloric intake, promotes weight loss. By shedding excess weight, the body's sensitivity to insulin improves, allowing better glucose control (Steven, S., Hollingsworth, K.G., Al-Mrabeh, A., Avery, L., Aribisala, B., Caslake, M. and Taylor, R., 2016. Very low-calorie diet and 6 months of weight stability in type 2 diabetes: pathophysiological changes in responders and nonresponders. Diabetes care, 39(5), pp.808-815). Weight loss often leads to decreased fat accumulation in the liver and pancreas, which is associated with improved insulin production and function.
2. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
Consuming fewer calories can lead to reduced fat accumulation in muscle cells, which is a common factor in insulin resistance. As the body loses weight, muscle cells become more receptive to insulin, making it easier for glucose to enter and be utilized for energy. This improved insulin sensitivity can help control blood sugar levels.
3. Enhanced Beta-Cell Function
Beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes, these cells can become stressed and less efficient. A low-calorie diet may reduce the workload on these cells by reducing blood sugar levels and demand for insulin (Lim, E.L., Hollingsworth, K.G., Aribisala, B.S., Chen, M.J., Mathers, J.C. and Taylor, R., 2011. Reversal of type 2 diabetes: normalisation of beta cell function in association with decreased pancreas and liver triacylglycerol. Diabetologia, 54(10), pp.2506-2514). This can allow beta cells to recover and function more effectively, potentially leading to better blood sugar control.
4. Reduced Inflammatory Response
Obesity and a high-calorie diet can lead to chronic low-level inflammation, which is believed to contribute to insulin resistance. By consuming fewer calories, especially if the diet is balanced and includes anti-inflammatory foods, the overall inflammatory response in the body may decrease. This, in turn, is expected to have a positive impact on the patient’s insulin sensitivity.
5. Glycemic Control
A low-calorie diet can directly improve glycemic control by reducing the intake of carbohydrates, which are the primary source of glucose in the body. When combined with monitoring carbohydrate intake and choosing low-glycemic index foods, a low-calorie diet can help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
6. Potential for Medication Reduction
For some individuals with type 2 diabetes, significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control achieved through a low-calorie diet may allow them to reduce their diabetes medications (Westman, E.C., Yancy, W.S., Mavropoulos, J.C., Marquart, M. and McDuffie, J.R., 2008. The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition & metabolism, 5(1), pp.1-9). This is particularly true for those recently diagnosed and not yet heavily dependent on medications.
It is important to note that while a low-calorie diet can be effective in reversing type 2 diabetes, it should be done under the guidance of your healthcare professional. The diet needs to be balanced and nutritionally adequate to ensure that essential nutrients are not compromised. On the other hand, individual responses to such diets can vary, and not everyone may experience a complete reversal of their condition. It may thus be stated that a low-calorie diet, when combined with weight loss and improved lifestyle choices, can significantly contribute to the
reversal of diabetes by promoting better insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation and improving glycemic control. However, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor to develop a personalized plan that is tailored to your specific needs and keep monitoring your progress regularly.
FAQ
What are some of the best fruits for diabetes patients?
The best fruits for diabetic patients are those that are low in sugar and high in fiber. These may include fruits like apples, pears, citrus fruits and berries.
What are some of the best low-calorie foods for diabetics?
Some of the most common and beneficial low-calorie foods for diabetics include fatty fish, leafy greens, avocado, eggs, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, nuts and beans.
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