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If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives to taking medication to control your blood sugar. The good news is, YES!
Not only can you control type 2 diabetes without medication, if you are currently taking medication, you can implement proven nutrition strategies that will help you work with your doctor to reduce or eliminate medications over time.
What does diabetes control mean?
Diabetes control refers to the process of managing and maintaining blood sugar (glucose) levels within a target range to reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
The general recommended target range is under 180 (10.0) 2-hours after meals; and an A1c of 7%.
Your health will be better off if you aim for a target range under 140 (7.8) 2-hours after meals; and an A1c of 6%, if possible. Research shows this can help prevent complications more.
So, how do you control diabetes without medication?
The most effective way to control diabetes without medication, is through a quality low carbohydrate nutrition plan.
WAIT: before you panic, that doesn’t mean missing out on favorite foods, as there are LOTS of things to eat on with a low carb nutrition plan.
Plus, let’s just get one thing clear. Low carb does not mean no carb; and low carb is not keto, which is much more restrictive and often hard for people to follow long term.
With a lower carb eating plan – under 100g per day carbs – majority of people find they can lower and maintain their blood sugar levels in a health range.
James’ story of controlling diabetes without medication
He joined our weekly meal plan and nutrition service, because his doctor wanted to increase his medication, but he wanted to improve his levels without doing that.
James had struggled with his numbers for years and had tried a dietitian and other food programs – nothing worked.
After 3 months on our plans, using our nutrition guidelines and recipes, James’ A1c is now 1.1% lower, he’s lost 9 pounds (4kg) and reduced daily levels by 100 points (5.6).
This is just one of our many member success stories. Many of our members, maintain lower medication for years, many even eliminate medication all together. Just know, it is possible.
Why does lowering carbs help control diabetes without medication?
One of the reasons why a low carbohydrate nutrition plan is so effective is that it helps to reduce insulin resistance, a common problem in people with type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is the hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar, but when you are insulin resistant, your cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and blood sugar levels can rise.
By reducing your carbohydrate intake, you can lower your insulin levels and improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can lead to better blood sugar control.
The other reason is that, with a quality nutrition plan, your overall metabolism improves, and this makes all your organs and cells function optimally. And, when your metabolism improves, weight loss also becomes so much easier.
When you lose weight, that also helps your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, which can lead to improved blood sugar control.
Where to get started with a nutrition plan to control diabetes without medication?
1. Reduce empty carbs
The first place to start is to focus on reducing your intake of empty carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, and packaged foods high in sugar and white flour.
2. Reduce “healthy” complex carbs
Secondly, you want to dramatically reduce your intake of “healthy” complex carbs – think ‘brown’ foods like brown rice, brown bread, and other whole grain foods.
These foods are not so healthy for people with type 2 diabetes because all these foods contain very high amounts of carbohydrates, so if you reduce/eliminate them, your blood sugar will be easier to maintain and there will be less need for medication.
Practical Action Steps
Grab a piece of paper and over the next 2 days, write down all the foods and drinks you consume. After that, decide on one thing you could change in your nutrition plan – focusing on reducing or eliminating empty carbs and “healthy” complex carbs, as noted above.
In conclusion, if you have type 2 diabetes, a low carbohydrate nutrition plan is a natural and effective way to manage your blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and even promote weight loss – these are all key factors to control your diabetes without medication.
If it all sounds a bit confusing, just start somewhere – such as with the action steps above.
Start with small steps, and keep on going; because every small step you take adds up to a healthier you!
Ready to master your diabetes control?
Take our clinically proven T2Diet Program.
In just 16-weeks you’ll discover exactly what to eat to control your diabetes without medication, and once you take the program, you’ll by a carb-savvy pro, empowered with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage your diabetes health long term.
“I was really ecstatic with the reduction in my HbA1c. So was my doctor. I believe that, for the first time in my 20 year history with diabetes, I have the tools to beat this disease without relying on medication.” ~Dean
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