Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Cured? - The Role of Diet and Exercise in Reducing Insulin Resistance

I really believe that type 2 diabetes can be "cured" -- and by that I mean that its dangerous effects can be greatly reduced and likely eliminated -- by the application of a bit of dietary common sense.I'm a type 1 diabetic, so I don't produce insulin. Until a cure for that is found, I will always need insulin. But is type 2 diabetes curable because I inject my own insulin, I'm very aware of how much I use. And by making some dietary changes, I know I can greatly reduce the amount I use. Less insulin in the body means greater insulin sensitivity and less instance of a dangerous condition known as hyperinsulinemia, or constantly elevated insulin.

For you type 2 diabetics out there, lower levels of insulin and greater physical activity (yes, you should exercise too) will result in more insulin sensitivity. Because insulin sensitivity is the opposite of insulin resistance -- which is the hallmark and defining trait of type 2 diabetes -- this essentially amounts to a "cure."Now, I'm not a doctor. Discuss any changes with your doctor, but I've seen many type 2 diabetics go off of all of their medications after making these changes. That's as good as a cure in my eyes.If you can reduce your insulin resistance, you eventually won't need to inject insulin if you take it now (if you're type 2 and do indeed still produce your own insulin) and you eventually won't need antidiabetic drugs. Your body will essentially operate like a nondiabetic's.You do this by increasing activity (exercise) and by reducing the amount of starchy foods you consume, like bread and white potatoes and grain products. These foods require the most insulin to deal with, so reducing them will reduce the insulin your body needs to churn out.

Exercise (specifically muscle-building activity like weight lifting) will increase your insulin sensitivity so that your body can more efficiently use the insulin you do produce.Diabetics, you have a measure of control here! Don't be a victim of your condition. You have the power to "cure" yourself in the form of less reliance on medications. I've seen it in many people before you. Don't give up... it's up to you!