What alternate treatments are available for type 2 diabetes?

Hi there,

To my knowledge there is no scientific evidence around alternative treatments for type 2 diabetes. In general, people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood glucose levels through a well planned healthy diet with the help of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). It is a common misconception amoung the public that people with diabetes have to follow a special diet, but this is untrue. A diet which focuses around wholesome foods such as those found in the Australia Guide To Health Eating is adequate for both normal populations and people with type 2 diabetes. When it comes to carbohydrates it is recommended to choose high fibre, low GI choices to keep insulin levels low  and for sustained energy release.

As I said previously I would recommend a consulation with an APD if you have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to potential complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye problems etc. You can find an APD at the Dietitians Association of Australia's website (www.daa.asn.au) and click on the “Find an APD” tab.

Although diabetes mellitus is not curable, it is actually reversible, which means you can bring the condition under control enough through lifestyle changes in order to not have to rely on pharmaceutical medication for the rest of your life.  

The aim is to get the body to correct its glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity to as close to normal levels as possible. This is gained through a low GI eating plan (complex carbs, protein and healthy fats), weight loss, exercise and certain supplements.

Supplements to mention are chromium, magnesium and spirulina, all of which help to maintain healthy blood glucose levels and facilitate uptake of glucose into the cells.

Of course it is imporant to continue seeing your doctor and have your blood glucose levels checked regularly. Do not take yourself off any pharmaceutical medication of your own accord before seeking medical advice.
 

To clear up any confusion, diabetes is not curable nor is type 2 diabetes reversible. Whilst pre-diabetes can be reversed it is vary rare that a person with type 2 diabetes will reverse this chronic disease.

Those who can control their blood sugar levels well through a low GI diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, low fat dairy and lean meats can manage their diabetes without the need for medication such as insulin, but eventually (and unfortunately) as we age there is usually a reliance on insulin injections as the pancreas burns out.

The mainstay treatment of type 2 diabetes is usually with medication such as metformin and in consultation with a health care team involving the person GP, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and a diabetes educator. Diet plays a vital role in the management of type 2 diabetes and I would suggest you consult with an APD who can help you to incorporate a healthy diet into your  management plan. 

Type 2 diabetes is in fact reversible, which does not mean curable. It means the function of the body can improve to the point where it no longer needs to rely on pharmaceutical medicine.  This has been studied and is well documented. It is important that reversible and curable are not confused, which is why this was initially distinguished. 

The supplements magnesium, chromium and spirulina are all supported by peer reviewed scientific journals as improving insulin resistance and supporting glucose uptake. 

To answer the initial question, yes, type 2 diabetes can be treated with alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines. But I again insist that guidance is sought from a doctor with regard to medication cessation if this is the outcome one is striving for. It is important that things are monitored on an ongoing basis. 

Fortunately, this is a disease that can be controlled through lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes that are in fact for life. 

Whilst I agree that type 2 diabetes can be controlled through lifestyle and dietary intervention with less of a reliance on medications such as metformin, I do not think the use of the word “reversible” should be used as it infers that the disease is curable and that someone with type 2 diabetes may think that they can get rid of it.

Often when a person is diagnosed, the damage has already been done to the beta cells of the pancreas and unfortunately this is not reversible. In some cases (not all) if caught early some people may be able to go into “remission” however if diet and lifestyle changes are not kept up, it can return. For example there was a study done on those with type 2 diabetes of 4 years or less who went into remission through a energy restricted diet (2500 kJ or 600 kcal). However the study did not look at those who had the disease of longer duration. I would think that from a nutritional standpoint, it would be impossible to achieve adequate nutrition through such a low energy diet.

A person with type 2 diabetes can increase their chances of preventing the use of medications such as metformin and eventually insulin if they adopt a healthy lifestyle which is aimed at reducing body weight, controlling blood sugar levels trhough a well balanced healthy diet (incorporating low GI, high fibre carbohydrate foods) and exercising.

Once again people with type 2 diabetes need to consult with their healthcare team (doctor, APD, diabetes educator, exercise physiologist) for accurate advice and expert guidance.

Thank you for this discussion. It is interesting to see the difference in strategy and treatment across different diciplines. It fascinates me.

I do understand how people could indeed believe the word “reverse” to imply cure, but again, that is why my use of the word was explained to avoid such confusion.  The word “reverse” is commonly used across the board in this instance.  For example, the reversal of high blood glucose levels to normal levels.  This is a reversal of one sign of diabetes type 2. Reversing the blood glucose to normal levels through low GI eating, exercise and the supplements as mentioned (if needed) will in turn lead to “remission”.  

I am glad however that we both can agree that through lifestyle a person can control things in order to attempt to not rely on pharmaceutical medication and that is in fact what the initial question was asking. So that is the question I was addressing, of course advising being careful to ensure ongoing medical evaluation is sought. 

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled through lifestyle. It is important that a person is aware of this.  There are alternatives to medication and whenever there are alternatives then a person must be made aware of this, especially if they are specifically seeking this information as this question is.  Of course there are ongoing differences in opinion between the medical community and natural health community.  We seem to agree somewhat in this instance, except for our choice of words. 

While advising that this can be treated through lifestyle, I too have advised that it is very important to continue being monitored by a doctor.