-
Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What alternate treatments are available for type 2 diabetes?
Related Topics
-
Find a professional to answer your question
Find a professional to answer your question Search Now
-
1
Thanks
Chris Fonda
Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian
As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile
Hi there,
To my knowledge there is no scientific evidence around alternative treatments for type 2 diabetes. In general, people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood glucose levels through a well planned healthy diet with the help of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). It is a common misconception amoung the public that people with diabetes have to follow a special diet, but this is untrue. A diet which focuses around wholesome foods such as those found in the Australia Guide To Health Eating is adequate for both normal populations and people with type 2 diabetes. When it comes to carbohydrates it is recommended to choose high fibre, low GI choices to keep insulin levels low and for sustained energy release.
As I said previously I would recommend a consulation with an APD if you have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to potential complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye problems etc. You can find an APD at the Dietitians Association of Australia's website (www.daa.asn.au) and click on the “Find an APD” tab.Report this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
-
1
Thanks
Chris Fonda
Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian
As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile
To clear up any confusion, diabetes is not curable nor is type 2 diabetes reversible. Whilst pre-diabetes can be reversed it is vary rare that a person with type 2 diabetes will reverse this chronic disease.
Those who can control their blood sugar levels well through a low GI diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy and lean meats can manage their diabetes without the need for medication such as insulin, but eventually (and unfortunately) as we age there is usually a reliance on insulin injections as the pancreas burns out.
The mainstay treatment of type 2 diabetes is usually with medication such as metformin and in consultation with a health care team involving the person GP, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and a diabetes educator. Diet plays a vital role in the management of type 2 diabetes and I would suggest you consult with an APD who can help you to incorporate a healthy diet into your management plan.Report this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
-
Chris Fonda
Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian
As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile
Whilst I agree that type 2 diabetes can be controlled through lifestyle and dietary intervention with less of a reliance on medications such as metformin, I do not think the use of the word “reversible” should be used as it infers that the disease is curable and that someone with type 2 diabetes may think that they can get rid of it.
Often when a person is diagnosed, the damage has already been done to the beta cells of the pancreas and unfortunately this is not reversible. In some cases (not all) if caught early some people may be able to go into “remission” however if diet and lifestyle changes are not kept up, it can return. For example there was a study done on those with type 2 diabetes of 4 years or less who went into remission through a energy restricted diet (2500 kJ or 600 kcal). However the study did not look at those who had the disease of longer duration. I would think that from a nutritional standpoint, it would be impossible to achieve adequate nutrition through such a low energy diet.
A person with type 2 diabetes can increase their chances of preventing the use of medications such as metformin and eventually insulin if they adopt a healthy lifestyle which is aimed at reducing body weight, controlling blood sugar levels trhough a well balanced healthy diet (incorporating low GI, high fibre carbohydrate foods) and exercising.
Once again people with type 2 diabetes need to consult with their healthcare team (doctor, APD, diabetes educator, exercise physiologist) for accurate advice and expert guidance.Report this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
