Type 2 diabetic since July 1991, diagnosed based on a fasting sugar reading of 468 mg/dl
by bonny damocles
(Midland, MI, U.S.A.)
QUESTION: For more than 20 years now, I have been using exercise as my only type 2 diabetes medication.
I do not know of any natural cures for my diabetes. I will always be a diabetic.
But by being D.U.M.B. (disciplined, upbeat, motivated, bold), I enjoy life like I have no diabetes.
Before I go farther, may I suggest that you google the words: The Science of Exercise, Erika Gebel. On the first page of the article, you will see my name under the heading Exercise Case Study. Please click on my name.
What have I been eating since my diagnosis? Heart-healthy, natural, and fresh (eaten raw or cooked) foods, mostly carbohydrates like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, roots, seeds, grains, seaweeds. Occasionally, I also eat lean beef, lean pork, skinless chicken, fish and other seafoods.
I always do my best to avoid sugary foods, salty foods, oily/fatty foods, dairy products, soft and hard drinks, foods with artificial ingredients, snacks, processed foods.
Would you believe that for more than 20 years, despite the fact that I have been having high after-meal blood sugar readings 3x/day caused by my high carb meals, I have not had any diabetes complications yet? Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe because I have been exercising a total of 90 minutes/day (in 4 sessions, 1 session immediately before each meal and before bed).
If you have any questions, please email me at bonnynemia@gmail.com
ANSWER: Hi Bonny,
I hope to meet more dedicated diabetic patients like you. It is true that having discipline is something very important, especially when you have diabetes. Besides the discipline, you have the dedication to beat your disease and to live normal life.
Regarding your condition, I will remind you that diabetes type 2 is caused by two things, first by reduced insulin secretion or by impaired glucose tolerance.
However, I’m not able to say 100% sure what the exact cause of your diabetes is, but according to the information, which you have provided, it is a matter of impaired glucose tolerance.
During the impaired glucose tolerance, the insulin secretion is normal, but the insulin is not able to put all the glucose inside the cells. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood, characterized by blood glucose elevation.
However, you have found the best way to burn this glucose, which remains in your blood - exercises. You are absolutely right, that exercises are helping you to keep your blood glucose within in the normal ranges, but you have to know one thing – diabetes is progressive disease.
In other words, at some point, like in your case, you might be able to keep everything normal without the usage of familiar drugs, but after this point severe changes in the glucose metabolism will appear.
However, I want to congratulate you about the big efforts of yours and to remind you to check your blood glucose occasionally and if you see something, which is not right, inform your doctor immediately.
I hope that for other more 20 years, such things are not going to happen and you will be able to maintain your blood glucose concentration normal, only by exercises and diet.
Wish you all the best!
Dr.Alba