OVERT DIABETES

Understanding of Overt Diabetes

Overt diabetes, commonly referred to as Type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are persistently elevated due to the body’s inability to manage glucose effectively. And it results from insulin resistance. In this condition, the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin. This form of diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.

Biological Mechanisms and Contributing Factors

In overt diabetes, several key biological processes and organs are involved but the main ones are:

- Pancreas:

Initially, the pancreas compensates for insulin resistance by producing more insulin and what happens next is, that the insulin-producing beta cells may become exhausted, leading to decreased insulin production. Closely related issues occur with Glucagon, another hormone released by the pancreas to the liver triggering glucose release. The outcome is the same at this stage - excess sugar in the blood.

- Liver:

The liver plays a critical role in glucose regulation. In diabetes, the liver’s ability to store and release glucose is impaired. Insulin resistance can cause the liver to release too much glucose into the bloodstream stimulating the overworked pancreas to work even harder further progressing diabetes to the next stage.

- Other Factors contributing to diabetes:

Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetic predisposition, and hormonal imbalances all contribute to the development and progression of diabetes type 2. Chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome are also closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, and the latter two need to be prevented at any cost.

Symptoms and Their Causes

All the symptoms mentioned below are clearly visible at this stage and rarely go unnoticed. Ignoring the early stages initially has allowed this situation to develop. At this point, it is widely understood, that further actions depend solely on individuals.

- Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination:

High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose. When the kidneys can’t keep up, the excess glucose is excreted into the urine, dragging along fluids from tissues, leading to dehydration and increased thirst.

- Extreme Fatigue:

The body’s cells are unable to effectively use glucose for energy, leading to feelings of fatigue. So even if you eat your cells are still hungry.

- Blurred Vision:

High blood sugar levels can cause the lenses of the eyes to swell, resulting in blurred vision. This happens gradually but fast.

- Slow Healing Sores and Frequent Infections

High glucose levels impair blood circulation and the immune system, making it harder for the body to heal wounds and fight infections.

- Unexplained Weight Loss:

In advanced cases, the body may start breaking down muscle and fat for energy when it can’t access glucose, leading to weight loss.

Consequences of Ignoring Diet and Continued Snacking

If diet and snacking habits are not controlled, the consequences of overt diabetes can be severe:

- Cardiovascular Disease:

Persistent high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.

- Neuropathy:

High glucose levels can damage nerves, especially in the legs and feet, causing pain, tingling, and loss of sensation.

- Retinopathy:

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness.

- Kidney Disease:

Over time, diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, leading to kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.

- Diabetic Ketoacidosis:

In severe cases, particularly if the pancreas stops producing insulin, the body may start breaking down fat too quickly, leading to the buildup of ketones in the blood, which can be life-threatening.

Strategies for Remission or Reversal

Managing or even reversing overt diabetes involves significant lifestyle changes and medical interventions:

- Dietary Changes:

First and foremost, following strict guidelines such as adopting a diet rich in whole foods, low in processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, and high in fiber is crucial. Additionally, incorporating intermittent fasting to give the pancreas time to rest and minimize insulin release, and closely monitoring carbohydrate intake with a low-carb approach, are key practices. By adhering to these principles, remission of diabetes can typically occur within a few weeks to a few months, depending on individual body responses and adherence to these guidelines.

- Physical Activity:

Regular exercise plays a vital role in improving insulin sensitivity and facilitating weight loss, both essential for managing diabetes. It is recommended that exercises should be of moderate intensity, preferably aerobic. Activities such as brisk walking or jogging for over 30 to 45 minutes allow the body to utilize fat reserves and promote fat burning as a fuel source. At this stage, simply incorporating regular aerobic exercise can significantly lower blood sugar levels.

- Weight Management:

Losing weight, especially reducing visceral fat, plays a crucial role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and alleviating strain on the pancreas. Visceral fat is particularly significant because it is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Our focus is on regaining insulin sensitivity, and reducing visceral fat is more important than overall body fat due to its direct impact on insulin resistance. However, it's important to note that by reducing overall body fat, visceral fat will naturally be reduced as well.

One effective strategy to target visceral fat is to adopt a very low-carb diet, typically containing fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. This approach minimizes insulin release, which helps prevent additional fat storage and promotes the use of body fat as a fuel source. This targeted dietary intervention can significantly aid in managing diabetes and improving overall metabolic health.

- Monitoring and Support:

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, along with support from healthcare providers, nutritionists, and diabetes educators, can help individuals stay on track with their management plans.

Conclusion

Dealing with overt diabetes is a serious challenge that can be demanding in the beginning but prevents potentially severe complications. It starts with understanding the condition, catching symptoms early on, and taking proactive steps to adjust your lifestyle. By making these changes, there's a real chance to put diabetes into remission and reverse it, which can make a profound difference in the lives of those living with the condition. Timely diagnosis and consistent management are crucial in keeping away the lasting effects of overt diabetes.