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

It was thought that most 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 your waist measure. Why? Because it 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 break down quickly. Changing these two health habits will really make a difference to your health.

In addition to changing what you drink, and eat, there are big lifestyle changes that need to be made. You can’t change big things all at once, especially since you’ve probably been doing them for many years. Big changes require very small steps over long periods of time. This is where a positive attitude can come in. When you believe in yourself, that you CAN make the changes needed to get you to better health, you can do it. Even with a million mistakes and two steps back with every one step forward, if you are committed to moving forward, you can heal your metabolism which will help heal your diabetes. Will it go away completely? That remains to be seen. If you can avoid the life-limiting complications of diabetes, you’ve done a lot!

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.

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