With type 2 diabetes, am I “metabolically healthy?”

It was thought that mostly people with obesity had poor measures for these risk factors. However, people considered ‘normal’ weight and even underweight can also have poor numbers. The one measure that makes a big difference is the waist measure. Why? Because it is indicates how much ‘visceral’ or abdominal fat is present. This happens when the body can’t use high levels of blood sugar in the cells, so this excess blood sugar gets stored in the abdomen. Its presence can indicate risk for diabetes, heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

If you already have type 2 diabetes, you have at least a few of these factors and others like insulin resistance. Is there a way back to metabolic health? YES! Changing to a healthier lifestyle like stopping smoking, limiting or stopping alcohol intake, following a healthy diet, getting some exercise and great sleep can make a big difference.

If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the many resources that are available to help you quit. Alcohol is a depressant and contains a fair number of calories that breakdown quickly to sugar. Changing these two health habits will really make a difference in your health.

A place to start is to change what you drink. Not just alcohol but anything that you drink that has sugar in it like juice, coffee, sugary coffee drinks, sweet tea and especially soda. Regular sodas are full of sugar and ‘diet’ sodas have artificial sweeteners that can impact your brain in a negative way. This can be one way to start reducing the sugar in your diet. You will likely go through a withdrawal period of headaches, irritability and discomfort. Keep your goal of reduced sugar and better health in mind and keep drinking plain water to clear out your system. You may lose some weight just doing this. Try it and see what you think.

Dr Elaine

Download my free 30 Day Guide to Manage or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes 

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

This episode was produced and marketed by the Get Known Service