Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with everyday changes – Readers reveal – 2024-04-30 11:39:54

With significant weight loss and subsequent weight control, it is possible to treat an overweight person’s early-stage type 2 diabetes into remission. Adobe Stock / AOP

Obesity, and especially central obesity, is one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes and weight control play a key role in the treatment of diabetes.

We asked the readers of Iltalehti to share their tips on how they have managed type 2 diabetes by changing their lifestyles.

According to the updated Käypä hoito recommendation, with significant weight loss and subsequent weight control, it is possible to treat an overweight person to early-stage type 2 diabetes remission, which means a reduction or disappearance of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

“I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017. I started losing weight in January 2022. I lost 33 kilograms in two years when my weight dropped from 113 kilograms to 80 kilograms.

According to the nurse, the diabetes is now in a good treatment balance. Blood sugar values ​​are excellent, as are cholesterol. Blood pressure is in normal readings today. In addition, the fungus that was bothering my leg has disappeared.

I lost weight by changing my diet and watching the amount of food. I do remote programming and maintenance, so I have a sedentary job. I haven’t really increased my exercise. Any increase would be good, because now the amount of exercise is non-existent”, says Kalevik.

“I had type 2 diabetes, but when I was in the hospital for 2 months last year, I lost about 20 kilos. As a result, I was stopped from insulin and tablet therapy. The weight has increased by about 5 kilos since then. I monitor my blood sugar levels daily. They have still remained within the limits”, he says 82-year-old grandfather.

Losing weight does not affect diabetes in everyone.

“I have lost weight from 91 kilos to 73 kilos. No effect”, says give.

By these means

Even a 5 percent weight loss has positive effects, but diabetes remission usually requires a more significant weight loss. The goal is a diet that is favorable in terms of glucose balance and weight control and that reduces the risk of arterial diseases.

“I left sugars and grains out of my diet. Diabetes has been in remission for 9 years now. I don’t need medication,” he says The wind.

“I lost 10 kilos on the keto diet. Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure dropped to perfection. I am 183 centimeters tall and my weight dropped from 95 kilograms to 85 kilograms. Reducing carbohydrates and replacing them with fat and protein has worked”, says In Jaus.

“The body begins to crave…”

Losing weight isn’t always easy, like Marty describes.

“The problem with losing weight is that when you lose even 5 percent of the weight, the body immediately starts craving goodies. And the craving for treats doesn’t end even when the original weight is reached, but the constant hunger continues forever.”

“I have just now become familiar with carbohydrates and their effect on diabetes. I had followed their effect for 2 weeks. I counted my food according to a certain amount and I was also able to calculate the insulin dose. My weight started dropping too. That would be a good guideline for all diabetics. Nothing will happen immediately, but I firmly believe in this matter. I am an elderly person and my son has been supporting this path of mine”, says Taika.

“Weight loss is fast. A new diet and following it, regular exercise in everyday life. I left out sugar, juices, lemonade, and alcohol. And it wasn’t even difficult. Weight is normal now. I’m turning 65 and my health and fitness are better than ever,” he describes Jartsa.

You can test your diabetes risk on the website of the Diabetes Association.