Today is #WorldDiabetesDay. This disease now affects an estimated 460 million people worldwide, and I can get behind any efforts to increase awareness about a chronic condition. However, this particular event is funded by Big Pharma, who have a strong interest in promoting their drugs over lifestyle changes because it could mess with their bottom line. If you or someone you know has diabetes, here are some things you can consider along with the help of your healthcare provider.
First thing to do, if you haven’t tried it, is adopt a plant-based diet. In season two of the Staying Ageless podcast, I spoke with Eric Adams @bkborohall about how he reversed his Diabetes diagnosis in three months by eating a plant-based diet. If you missed it, click the podcast link in my bio to listen and also check out his book #HeathyAtLast.
When I first started working with diabetes patients I came across Dr. Jason Fung (@drjasonfung) who has been successfully treating and reversing type 2 diabetes using fasting as an intervention. Intermittent fasting is the practice of consuming your daily calories within a restricted time window. It is not a diet, it is more of an eating protocol. The idea is to get the same amount of calories you would normally eat within your “eating window.” One research study found that intermittent fasting was as effective as longer term continuous restriction for improving weight loss, insulin sensitivity and other health biomarkers. When on medications you need to do this under supervision of your doctor for safety.
Last but not least, talk to your healthcare provider or holistic practitioner about Berberine. Berberine is a plant compound that has been shown in research studies to outperform metformin which is commonly given to diabetes patients. Metformin and berberine appear to act upon the same pathways to improve insulin sensitivity. Berberine (BBR) has been shown to improve obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, by stimulating AMP-activated protein kinase. Metformin depletes B12 and does have side effects, while berberine may have some side benefits. Berberine should be used in tandem with diet and lifestyle changes.