Did you recently receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis? Finding out you have diabetes can be scary, but you’re not alone.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the top chronic conditions in the United States, with more than 36 million Americans living with the disease. It’s characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels — and it’s normal to have questions about what your diagnosis means for your health.
At Endocrine Associates of West Village, we specialize in diabetes care. One common question is, “Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?” The answer is: While it can’t be cured in the traditional sense, there’s a lot you can do to manage it and minimize your risk of complications. Here’s what you need to know.
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin or when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body process sugar from the food you eat; without it, your blood sugar levels rise.
High blood sugar can cause severe complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage — particularly if it’s uncontrolled. Fortunately, managing your diabetes helps control your blood sugar and lowers your risk of more serious issues.
Type 2 diabetes can’t be reversed, per se, but with the right care and lifestyle changes, it can go into remission. We consider you in remission when your blood sugar returns to normal levels for at least three consecutive months without the aid of medications.
Our Diabetes Center is certified through the American Diabetes Association, and we work with people to find diabetes management plans that fit their unique needs. A few important components of diabetes management are:
Regularly measuring your blood sugar is the cornerstone of diabetes management. Knowing your blood sugar levels allows you to identify patterns and track your progress to see how well your treatment is working. We review your blood sugar measurements with you and use that information to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
The food you eat directly impacts your blood sugar levels. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you control your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. We recommend limiting your intake of processed foods and sugary beverages, too.
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and promotes weight management, making it a key component of diabetes management. Depending on your overall health, we typically recommend striving for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise. Try brisk walking, cycling, or swimming to find something you enjoy.
Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in diabetes management, but many people also benefit from medication to help control blood sugar levels. Some common options are oral medications that stimulate insulin production or improve insulin sensitivity and injectable medications like insulin therapy.
Pre-diabetes is when you have elevated blood sugar levels that aren’t high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, pre-diabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes over time.
The good news is that, unlike type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes is reversible. If you’ve received a pre-diabetes diagnosis, it’s not too late to prevent diabetes. In fact, a combination of lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular exercise can help reverse the condition and improve your overall health.
Whether you’re facing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, our Endocrine Associates of West Village team is ready to help. Taking proactive steps to manage your blood sugar levels can minimize your risk of complications and lead a healthier life.
Learn more with a consultation at one of our office locations in Brooklyn, Long Island City, and New York, New York. Call or request an appointment online today.
