Many type 2 diabetics spend way too much time searching for the “right” medication, not realizing that it is possible to lower A1c naturally. Here are the information that can help you make the right decisions for yourself.
Medication Side Effects
Side effects of diabetes medications are not easy to deal with. For example, as you may know, metformin side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and losing control over the bowels. For different reasons, insulin is not a bed of roses either.
When you experience problems with medications, at the very least, you have to call off work to see the doctor again. At their worst, the side effects can be dangerous. Your doctor will do their best to switch the drug or adjust the dosage. But the whole process is costly and uncertain. You can never be sure how these medicines will affect you because every person is different.
There is Always a Better Way to Lower A1c…
A whole foods plant-based diet gets the results you are looking for by lowering your A1c naturally. Plant-based foods have been shown to prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes [Ref 1] This decreases the need for conventional medicine.
These types of foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Medications are not able to prevent and reverse diabetes because they do not address the underlying eating habits and lifestyle choices that cause the insulin resistance problem at the root of type 2 diabetes.
Even if you stumble upon a medicine that you think you’ll tolerate, it will not decrease your risk for the serious diabetes-related complications related to poor blood flow. Research shows that diabetes medications do not decrease mortality, stroke, amputation, blindness, neuropathy, or need for dialysis. [Ref 2]
But this is where plants really shine!
Plant-based foods not only lower A1c naturally, but they also prevent diabetes-related complications. [Ref 3]. One such study looked at diabetics experiencing rapidly deteriorating kidney function who switched to a vegan diet. They halted their kidney impairment and kept their kidneys from getting worse. [ Ref 4] In other words, plant-based nutrition can potentially prevent diabetics from needing dialysis. That’s something diabetics care about!
Success Story
One of my clients was a woman in her 60’s with type 2 diabetes who initially experienced neuropathy pain, high blood pressure, acid reflux, and declining kidney function. One week after starting a plant-based lifestyle, her neuropathy pain in her legs resolved. Within 7 months her A1c went from 8.7 to 6.1. She lost 25 pounds and her kidney function returned to normal. Her doctor cut back her medications significantly so that she was only on half the amount of metformin and half the amount of blood pressure medication as before. Her energy improved so much she was traveling and enjoying the compliments she received about her healthy, slimmer appearance.
Of course, each person’s results are unique to the individual and there is no guarantee that you will get these same results. However, the story shows you it’s possible to lower A1c naturally. The bottom line is the human body has the capacity to heal itself once we create healthy lifestyle habits and allow ourselves to succeed.
If you’re interested in learning how to put these same ideas to work, the online course Optimal Health Reset may be a great opportunity for you.
To learn more, book a free Discovery call with me today.
Ref 1] McMacken M, Shah S. A plant-based diet for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2017;14(5):342-354.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28630614
[Ref 2] Rodríguez-Gutiérrez R1, Montori VM2.Glycemic Control for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Our Evolving Faith in the Face of Evidence. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2016 Sep;9(5):504-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27553599/
[Ref 3] Rodríguez-Gutiérrez R1, Montori VM2.Glycemic Control for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Our Evolving Faith in the Face of Evidence. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2016 Sep;9(5):504-12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27553599/
[Ref 4] Pawlak R. Vegetarian Diets in the Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Its Complications. Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(2):82-88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28588373.
Carla Hightower, MD, MBA is a physician, health coach, workplace wellness consultant, and speaker. She helps people heal themselves with food. Through wellness workshops and courses, she helps companies create healthy, energetic teams.
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