NURUM GUIDE

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a significant health concern in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. But recent research indicates that it can be reversible. Learn about the evidence-based methods that can help manage and potentially reverse Type 2 Diabetes.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Practical Guide for Hong Kong

In Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, based on current worldwide trends and local observations, it's suggested that up to 30% of the local population could potentially be either diabetic or prediabetic. It's important to note that this figure is an educated estimate, reflecting the global rise of these health conditions and the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative action in the region.

Dealing with such a condition may feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Several clinical trials have shown that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, instilling the potential for a healthier future.

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body's cells don't respond correctly to insulin, leading to a build-up of glucose (sugar) in the blood, instead of being converted into energy in the cells. If left unchecked, elevated glucose levels can lead to widespread health issues. For a more comprehensive understanding, please refer to our in-depth guide on Understanding Type 2 Diabetes.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes reversal is the process of significantly bringing down glucose levels into the non-diabetic range — achieved when a person can maintain blood sugar levels without requiring diabetes medications other than Metformin - a drug often chosen for reasons not limited to blood sugar control, including its beneficial impacts on metabolic health.

In objectively assessing the reversal of type 2 diabetes, we consider the HbA1c score as a standard marker along with two additional lab measurements: fasting insulin levels and fasting glucose levels. A successful reversal can be defined as an individual achieving an HbA1c below 6.5%—which is considered the upper limit for individuals without diabetes, fasting insulin levels below 6 uU/ml, and fasting glucose levels below 4.7 mmol/L (equivalent to 84 mg/dL) without the need for diabetes medications, apart from Metformin.

While the HbA1c value is indicative of average blood glucose levels over the preceding two to three months, fasting insulin levels give insight into the body's insulin production efficiency, and fasting glucose levels show the amount of glucose present in the blood after a fast. These markers together provide a comprehensive picture of an individual's diabetic state and its reversal.

In functional medicine, the objective extends beyond disease reversal—it seeks to promote longevity and broader disease prevention. Research in this field suggests substantial benefits when maintaining an HbA1c score of 5.7% or lower. Lower HbA1c levels are widely associated with better metabolic control, which can help reduce the risk of various health complications. For example, studies have linked lower HbA1c levels to reduced risk of cardiovascular events and diabetic retinopathy.

Moreover, maintaining fasting insulin and glucose levels, alongside achieving an HbA1c of 5.7% or under, is considered an indicator of optimal metabolic health. This broader perspective emphasises that functional medicine's aim isn't only the avoidance of diabetes, but to guide patients towards enhanced overall health and longevity.

How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

There are three primary treatments demonstrated to reverse type 2 diabetes:

Bariatric Surgery: Effective in reversing diabetes but the benefits may diminish over time and it has potential side effects. It's usually not the first line of treatment for reversing diabetes due to its invasive nature.

Very Low-Calorie Diets: Can lead to diabetes reversal, but the effects are usually short-term and maintenance can be challenging. These diets require medical supervision.

Very Low Carbohydrate Diets: The treatment Nurum supports is a very-lowcarbohydrate diet. The dietary restriction can result in lower blood glucose, reduced reliance on diabetes medications, and improved weight and hunger management.

The Safety of Diabetes Reversal

The journey towards diabetes reversal involves significant lifestyle changes, necessitating a diligent approach and medical supervision. As individuals respond differently, continuous monitoring is crucial to identify and manage proactive risks, ensuring safety and health during diabetes reversal.

Here the improvements in fasting blood glucose levels become an early sign of diabetes reversal. Normal fasting blood glucose levels are typically between 70to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L). Nutritional interventions like entering nutritional ketosis, often result in significant reductions in these levels.

Making Reversal Last

Strategically building practices to sustain this reversal is pivotal. At Nurum, we provide continuous remote care, involving real-time health markers monitoring and personalised recommendations. An ongoing study indicates that sustained nutritional ketosis can potentially eliminate dependence on blood-sugar-lowering medications.

However, Nurum strongly recommends medical supervision when attempting dietary changes, particularly for people on diabetes or blood pressure medications, to safely adjust medication as needed.

Take Action

While type 2 diabetes can be daunting, its adverse progression can be reversed. With thoughtful guidance and a personalised treatment plan, reversal is achievable—without surgery or medication. Your health is in your hands, and Nurum is here to support you on this path to optimal wellbeing.

At Nurum, we believe in personifying care through bi-directional support, focused as much on your emotional health as your physical health. Take the first step: take our quiz or book a 15-minute assessment with one of our coaches. Begin your journey towards a healthier future with Nurum today!

Key Takeaways

Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed through different strategies like Bariatric Surgery, Very Low-Calorie Diets, or a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet like the one supported by Nurum.
Reversal is objectively measured by combining three lab markers: achieving an HbA1c score below 6.5%, fasting insulin levels below 6 uU/ml, and fasting glucose levels below 4.7 mmol/L without requiring diabetes medications other than Metformin.
Safety is a central tenet in the journey of diabetes reversal, involving careful monitoring.
Nurum offers continuous remote care to provide real-time health monitoring and personalised recommendations to maintain prolonged diabetes reversal.
With Nurum's support, take charge of your health and begin your journey towards diabetes reversal.

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Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Practical Guide for Hong Kong

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

The Safety of Diabetes Reversal

Making Reversal Last

Take Action

Key Takeaways

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