Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Prediabetes
Gestational Diabetes
The short answer is… maybe.
We know that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When we put on weight, our fat cells (the body’s main ‘fuel’ storage facility) reach a point where they become full, and are almost at bursting point. They basically shutdown their ability to store more fat, and become ‘distressed’ and resistant to the hormone insulin. This puts a strain on the pancreas to produce even more insulin, trying to force our fat cells to work. Eventually, the pancreas wears out, and is unable to produce adequate insulin to control blood glucose levels, causing blood glucose levels to rise. Sooner or later, this ultimately leads to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Because diabetes is a progressive disease it’s important to think about it on a continuum of 30 years or so.Unfortunately, you’ve heard it before…. improving the quality and reduce the quantity of the food we eat is the first step. Ensuring you are active regularly is also important.
If you are overweight, particularly if you carry you weight around your middle, a weight reduction will help to slow the process.
That really depends on you and your body type. Current guidelines recommend a waist circumference less than 80cm (32inches) for females and 90cm (36 inches) for males. However, even small amounts 5- 10% of your body weight can make a big difference!
There are certain medications, particular ways of eating and psychological support that may all help slow, halt or even trickle back diabetes progression. Your doctor and diabetes team can help you to explore all of these options and develop a plan that’s right for you.
Make the change!
No matter which stage of diabetes (or prediabetes) you’re at, small (or maybe big) changes can slow down its progression. Lifestyle changes may reduce the number of medications your doctor prescribes in the long term, and hopefully, allow you to live a long and healthy life.
If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes and would like to know more about how best to manage the condition, you can join or explore our personalised 12 week diabetes program. The first week is free!
If you want to learn more about diabetes, we have dedicated information pages: