One thing I find challenging as a Nutritionist is trying to impart the importance of reversing Type 2 Diabetes NOW for the future of your health. It seems so many people are “stuck” living in the present that it is hard for them to realize the reasons they MUST achieve reversal of Type 2 Diabetes. Your overall health depends on it!
If one were to realize the overall effects Type 2 Diabetes has on your health it may weigh more heavily on them to put in the effort now, for overall health later.
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of Type 2 Diabetes, it’s also referred to as diabetic kidney disease. Your kidneys are responsible for removing waste products and extra fluids from the body, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, and producing an active form of Vitamin D that helps to promote strong healthy bones and controlling the production of red blood cells. You have an increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease if you have Type 2 Diabetes, have high blood pressure, are older, or are African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Pacific Islander, or Asian. Some warning signs of Chronic Kidney Disease include blood or protein (which may appear as foam or bubbles) in the urine, high blood pressure, frequent urination, and puffiness around the eyes, hands, and feet. You can watch my video here on Chronic Kidney Disease.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the inner eye. The result over time is complete vision loss. In fact, Diabetic Retinopathy is the number one cause of blindness in North America. The longer you have unmanaged blood glucose levels, the more likely you are to develop Diabetic Retinopathy. You may have no symptoms at first, but as the condition develops you may have blurry vision, dark floating spots, or painful pressure in one or both eyes. If you have Type 2 Diabetes it is important to have regular eye exams, and of course, do all you can to reverse Type 2 Diabetes. You can watch more about Diabetic Retinopathy in my video here.
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease: Those with Type 2 Diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, and high blood pressure and suffer from stroke. Having Type 2 Diabetes along with high blood pressure puts a lot of strain on your body causing overall damage to your brain, kidneys, and eyes. High blood pressure can result in kidney disease and kidney disease can result in high blood pressure. You may develop heart disease 15 -20 years earlier with Type 2 Diabetes than you might have just from old age (depending of course on your diet and lifestyle -if you eat healthy and have a healthy lifestyle you may never develop heart disease or high blood pressure).
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: If you have Type 2 Diabetes and experience pins and needles regularly, this may be a sign you are developing Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy which is nerve damage and can be felt initially in the feet (toes) and hands (fingers). It is often followed by long-term infection and eventual amputation of the affected limbs.
Mental Health Issues/Alzheimers/Dementia: Those living with Type 2 Diabetes and poorly managed blood sugars are at high risk of developing mental health issues including stress, low mood, and debilitating anxiety. Alzheimer’s and dementia are other complications of Type 2 Diabetes.
When one looks at the potential complications it is clear that Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that one must take all measures to reverse, as soon as possible. It is important to note that most people have been living with insulin resistance for up to 10 years before ever being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. This means that you could be well on your way to developing one of these conditions by the time you receive a diabetes diagnosis.
Watch here to find out 15 Amazing Things that Happen When you Stop Eating Sugar! Nearly 42, 000 people have enjoyed this video!
Rather than “Scare” you, I hope this encourages you to make changes RIGHT NOW to reverse Type 2 Diabetes BEFORE complications arise.
Not sure where to begin? Book a consultation so we can look at the best way to get you on the track to reversing Type 2 Diabetes and taking control of your life again.
Not sure if you have Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes? Watch this video to find out 25 Warning Signs of Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
