Get Type 2 diabetes under control

Dear Dr. Roach: Any suggestions on how to reverse Type 2 diabetes?

C.B.

Answer: Strictly speaking, once you have diabetes, you always have diabetes, as the diagnosis is considered “stable,” or lifelong. However, many people can get diabetes under control, which is pretty close to reversing diabetes.

The three most important areas of controlling diabetes are diet, exercise and weight.

While there is much information I can give on diet, the most important single factor is reducing sugar and starches (which rapidly turn into sugar).

A registered dietician or nutritionist is an essential partner in diabetes care. Entirely (or nearly) cutting out breads, pastas and rice makes an enormous difference in blood sugar.

The body makes its own sugar, and regular exercise not only uses up blood sugar, but it also trains the muscles to use sugar more efficiently.

Weight has an independent effect on blood sugar control, as a higher weight usually correlates to more resistance to insulin.

Dear Dr. Roach: Lately, I’ve been hearing about a relationship between the COVID vaccines and a significant increase in heart-related deaths.

Answer:

The best data come from the U.K., where all-cause mortality is very significantly reduced in people who have had the COVID vaccine, compared to unvaccinated people.

A separate analysis from the Florida Department of Health also found lower all-cause mortality in all age groups among vaccinated compared to unvaccinated.

In high-risk groups, such as people with heart failure, the vaccine prevents death powerfully. Unvaccinated people are three times more likely to die from any cause than those who have been fully vaccinated.

My recommendation remains consistent. Everyone who can get the vaccine should get the vaccine. Older people should ensure that they are fully boosted with the vaccine.