Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: How One Man Beat the Odds and Regained His Health
At the age of 42, Jason received a devastating diagnosis: he was diabetic. This news came as a shock to him and his wife, Sarah, as they had always been health-conscious and enjoyed good food. Jason, a trained chef, believed he had a good understanding of nutrition, but his hectic lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits took a toll on his health.
Weighing over 20 stone (128 kilograms), Jason’s weight was causing serious health issues. His love for beer and long train commutes added to his weight gain and disrupted sleep patterns. Exercise was out of the question due to his demanding schedule. It wasn’t until a routine doctor’s appointment that Jason discovered he was diabetic. The symptoms of excessive thirst and frequent urination had been present for some time, but he hadn’t connected them to diabetes.
The diagnosis put Jason at risk of other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and strokes. The advice he received from the diabetes nurse was basic and often misleading. Determined to improve his health, Jason gave up smoking and cut back on beer consumption. He and Sarah worked hard to reduce their weight through healthy eating and exercise. However, despite their efforts, Jason lived with diabetes for two decades.
Three years ago, at the age of 59, Jason was medically retired due to osteoarthritis in his knee. This condition, worsened by his excess weight, prompted him to take further action. With Sarah’s support, he began working with Natalie Burrows, a nutritional therapist specializing in diabetes. Natalie gave Jason hope by informing him that his diabetes could be reversed.
Jason started keeping a food diary and shared it with Natalie for feedback and advice. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor allowed him to track his blood sugars and make necessary modifications to his diet. He discovered that his body wasn’t processing certain foods well, such as porridge for breakfast. Natalie recommended starting the day with a high-protein meal, like an omelette.
As Jason changed his diet and lifestyle, he began to lose weight. By eliminating bread and potatoes and being mindful of hidden sugars in processed foods, he made significant progress. He also incorporated more whole foods, such as nuts, beans, and unprocessed meat and fish, into his diet. Regular exercise, including using an exercise bike and lifting weights, further contributed to his improved health.
After seven months, Jason’s blood test showed that he had reversed his diabetes. His blood sugar levels went from 12.5 to below 6, and he now fluctuates between being pre-diabetic and in remission. Although he still takes medication, it is only half the amount he used to take. Jason feels healthier, has more energy, and enjoys a better quality of life. He has lost almost 4 stone in total and has a better work-life balance.
Jason’s success story serves as an inspiration for others facing a diabetes diagnosis. He encourages anyone who is overweight and at risk of diabetes to take control of their diet and lifestyle. It’s never too late to turn your health around.
For those with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, working with a nutritionist can provide tailored advice. However, there are general guidelines that can make a significant difference. Eating whole foods, increasing protein, fiber, and healthy fats, supporting the liver with cruciferous vegetables, and protecting the heart with berries are all beneficial strategies.
Cutting out bread and potatoes, which quickly elevate blood sugars, and incorporating leafy green vegetables into the diet can also help lower inflammation and cholesterol levels often associated with Type 2 diabetes.
Jason’s journey proves that with determination, support, and the right nutrition, it is possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes and regain one’s health.
