A change in diet is proving to be a key tool in the reversal of type 2 diabetes, suggests new research from the University of British Columbia and England’s Teesside University. The results showed that people can effectively control their type 2 diabetes through diet.
The research was part of a 12-week study involving a specialized diet that was managed by local pharmacists. Study participants, all living with type 2 diabetes, were given a meal plan of low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, higher-protein foods and they checked in regularly with their pharmacist who could monitor their medications.
“Type 2 diabetes can be treated, and sometimes reversed, with dietary interventions,” said the study co-author. “However, we needed a strategy to help people implement these interventions while keeping an eye on their medication changes.”
Pharmacists are generally more accessible than a family doctor; people with type 2 diabetes often make more visits a year to their pharmacist than their doctor.
When people with type 2 diabetes follow a very low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet, there is a need to reduce or eliminate blood-sugar-lowering medications.
Half of the participants in the study followed the low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, higher-protein diet, checking regularly with their pharmacist. After 12 weeks, more than one-third of participants with type 2 diabetes were off all diabetes medications, versus none in the control group. People in the diet group also noted substantial improvements to their blood sugar control, body weight, blood pressure and overall health.
The researchers say the key was a targeted nutritional approach, supervised by a community pharmacist who can monitor prescribed medications.
Source: Nature Communications, September 10, 2021.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.