Type 2 Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting millions, may not be a lifelong diagnosis. New insights suggest that lifestyle changes, along with weight loss medications, can reverse the course of the disease.
In Michigan, statistics reveal that approximately one in every ten people has diabetes. While genetic factors play a role in the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, experts now emphasize that lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on its reversal.
Dr. Vincent Hannosh of Trinity Health explains that Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar. This resistance causes blood sugar to remain elevated, posing risks of long-term damage to vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and nerves. Unfortunately, many people may not experience noticeable symptoms until the condition reaches pre-diabetic levels.
“Between an A1C level of 5.7 and 6.4, individuals are considered pre-diabetic, which signals an urgent need for intervention,” Dr. Hannosh said. The A1C test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past three months, with higher values indicating a greater risk of progressing to Type 2 Diabetes.
Fortunately, intervention can take many forms. For some, lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise, and sleep habits are enough to prevent the onset of diabetes or reverse pre-diabetes. But for others, medication may play a critical role.
One of the most talked-about treatments is Ozempic, a medication originally used to manage diabetes but now also prescribed for weight loss. Dr. Hannosh praises Ozempic for its dual benefits: improving insulin sensitivity and slowing gastric emptying, which helps patients eat less and lose weight. These effects contribute to a reduction in body fat, which can help reverse insulin resistance and, in turn, manage or eliminate Type 2 Diabetes.
However, lifestyle changes remain foundational in the fight against diabetes. Dr. Hannosh stresses that a commitment to a healthier lifestyle can lead to remarkable improvements. “If you change your lifestyle, you can reverse Type 2 Diabetes,” he asserts. “Within about two years, if you’re able to manage your weight and habits effectively, you might no longer have it.”
The key is to start early. For those diagnosed with pre-diabetes, losing even a small amount of weight can dramatically reduce the risk of developing full-blown Type 2 Diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, particularly through annual A1C checks, is essential.
As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Hannosh encourages individuals to be mindful of their food choices and to make time for annual checkups. With proactive steps, reversing Type 2 Diabetes is within reach for many people.
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