Type-1 diabetes is a profound illness where the body fights an illusionary war against itself, thereby killing the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin. This hormone helps optimise blood sugar levels. In short, type-1 diabetes is a side effect of the “Auto-Immune” reaction and mainly affects juveniles. Even so, it can also affect individuals belonging to older age groups. Interestingly, “Is type-1 reversal diabetes just a myth?” is the most frequently searched question on the internet.
So, is it really possible? Read on to know the answer.
Understanding the Differences between Type-1 and Type-2 Diabetes
While type-1 diabetes is the result of autoimmune reactions and the resultant shortage of insulin, type-2 diabetes causes are genetics, obesity, stress, and bad lifestyle. In the latter variant, the body either fails to provide enough insulin or is unable to exploit it efficiently (insulin resistance).
The Challenges of Diabetes Reversal in Type-1 Diabetics
You need to understand that type-1 diabetes is a by-product of the body’s adverse reaction to a particular metabolic activity, and therefore, reversal through anti-diabetic medicines is not possible. However, regular insulin shots and disciplined blood sugar management improve the quality of life of the concerned individual. The external top-up of insulin is a recurring affair and needs to be taken seriously.
Current Medical Approaches for Type-1 Diabetes Management
Type-1 diabetes is a tricky illness and, therefore, cannot be cured through the current breed of medications. Most of today’s experiments exploit out-of-the-box medical and non-medical strategies. This includes alternate medicines/supplements, curing autoimmune reactions rather than diabetes itself, and other radical approaches. While insulin in most type-1 diabetics forms an essential tool, diet and exercise offer noticeable relief in terms of frequency of insulin intake. Certain type-2 diabetics also need to take insulin, depending on their insulin resistance symptoms.
Promising Research and Developments in Type-1 Diabetes Treatment
Some promising alternatives to address type-1 diabetes include “smart” insulin, which actually mimics the insulin produced by the human body. Smart insulin provides people with type-1 diabetes with efficient intake of insulin. Another area which is being pursued vehemently is “immunotherapy drug”. This drug delays the onset of type-1 diabetes in risk-prone kids and adults.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Type-1 Diabetes Control
Although the impact of diet and lifestyle is not very significant, it does allow people with type-1 diabetes to manage their glycaemic goals, that is, keep their blood sugar values within the recommended range. This reduces long-term risks of developing cardiovascular and vision-related issues. Diet strategies include consuming small portions, eating fibre-rich foods, and avoiding sugar / unhealthy fats. On the other hand, type-2 people with diabetes can benefit from an insulin resistance diet.
Experiences of Type-1 Diabetics Who Have Achieved Improved Glycaemic Control
Although there is no dedicated medicine or approach to cure type-1 diabetes, affected individuals have improved their glycaemic goals through diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, and yoga. In some rare cases, individuals have also found relief by addressing their autoimmune disease rather than diabetes per se. On the positive side, medical science is relentlessly working on finding a cure for type-1 diabetes.
Combining Medical Treatment with Lifestyle Changes for Type-1 Diabetes
Insulin can only go as far as replenishing the body’s needs. To make it work efficiently and achieve targeted glycaemic goals, type-1 people with diabetes must also look into other areas. This includes the type, quantity, and frequency of food intake, lifestyle, and stress factors. Carb counting is equally important as it directly affects blood sugar levels and is a perfect solution to “How to reverse pre-diabetes?”
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Insulin Delivery Technologies
Type-1 diabetics are often recommended CGMs instead of frequent finger-pricking sessions of Glucometer. It makes sense because modern CGMs offer readings that can be easily pre-set to specific intervals. The under-the-skin sensor also signals the wearer when the insulin levels are low. Today, the new-age CGMs also deliver insulin using Nano technologies. On the flip side, CGM needs to be replaced quite often (7 to 14 days).
Potential Complications and Risks in Diabetes Reversal for Type-1 Diabetics
Current studies have shown that type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune-related ailment, is not curable, and it also demands regular insulin intake and monitoring. Playing with non-medical options, including unverified/untested supplements, alternative medicines, ineffective diabetes reversal programs, and relying only on diet and lifestyle changes, can result in potential complications and risks over a period of time.
The Importance of Individualized Diabetes Management Plans
Most healthcare professionals recommend a personalised plan to manage type-1 diabetes and also to reverse type-2 diabetes, which typically depends on –
- Your current blood glucose levels.
- The targeted range your doctor seeks to achieve.
- Current lifestyle.
- Overall health, including comorbidities.
- Age and BMI factors.
Read More: The Impact of Sleep On Diabetes Reversal
Key Takeaways –
One needs to accept the fact that “reversal diabetes” is not possible as of today. However, there have been sporadic incidences where, instead of targeting diabetes, doctors have made remission possible by treating the root cause, which is autoimmunity; for most type-1 diabetics, insulin, diet, lifestyle changes, and exercise continue to remain the frontline tools.
