Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a prescription drug used to manage type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise. It helps improve blood sugar controls and lowers the risk of events like heart attack or stroke. It is important to note that Ozempic is not a substitute for other digestive enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease. Persistent hyperglycemia puts people with diabetes at increased risk for heart disease, nerve damage, loss of sight, kidney disease, and premature death.
Third-generation thiazolidinediones, such as Rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos), help insulin work better in muscle and fat. Studies have shown that the enzyme SphK2 is a key player in the regulation of insulin. Amylase supplements may help improve carbohydrate digestion and potentially aid in blood sugar control for diabetics by breaking down starches.
Three antidiabetic drugs (TZD, DPP-4is, and GLP-1RAs) are effective in liver enzyme reduction. SGLT2is and GLP1RAs were superior to other diabetes medications. Amylase supplements may help improve carbohydrate digestion and potentially aid in blood sugar control for diabetics by breaking down starches.
An essential therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is the host-derived DPP4, although it remains unknown whether gut bacteria play a role in this process. Results in mice suggest that SMOC1, the current frontline drug for type 2 diabetes, is more effective than metformin in improving blood glucose.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Enzyme insight could lead to new diabetes treatment | The findings of our study indicate that the enzyme SphK2 plays a pivotal role in regulating insulin. | www.centenary.org.au |
| Inhibition of Key Digestive Enzymes Related to Diabetes … | The findings demonstrated that diabetes resulted in a notable elevation in the α-amylase and maltase activities within the mucosal small intestine, with increases of 204% and 290%, respectively. | pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |
📹 Over-the-Counter Enzyme Supplements Explained: Mayo Clinic Physician Explains Pros, Cons
Over-the-counter enzyme supplements are rising in popularity, despite a lack of scientific evidence to support many of the …
Which enzyme breaks down sugar?
Sucrase-isomaltase One of these digestive enzymes is sucrase-isomaltase, which breaks down some of the carbohydrates that you eat, such as table sugar (sucrose) and other sugars from starches present in foods such as potatoes and baked goods, into simpler forms that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) is a rare, inherited condition that has several names. It is sometimes referred to as Genetic Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (GSID), Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency, Sucrose Intolerance, Disaccharide Intolerance, or Congenital Sucrose Intolerance.
If you think you may have CSID, it is recommended that you schedule a visit to discuss your concerns with a gastroenterologist.. Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency, which can occur in males and females of all ages — infants, children, and adults — reduces the ability to digest (break down to an absorbable form) certain foods one eats that contain sugars or starches. For this reason, enzymes like sucrase-isomaltase are called digestive enzymes.
In people affected by CSID, the enzyme sucrase-isomaltase is either not present at all or has very low levels of enzyme activity in the small intestine. The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that is just beyond the stomach and just before the large intestine. If you have CSID, your body cannot digest complex sugar or starches very well. If you cannot fully digest these foods, you may develop diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain after you eat foods that contain sugar (white table sugar) and/or starch (for example, bread, cookies, crackers, and potatoes). 1 Undigested foods in your GI tract are eaten by the bacteria that naturally occur in your GI tract, causing these symptoms (Figure 3).
What is the most successful diabetes medication?
What is the most common oral medication for Type 2 diabetes?. Metformin is the most common oral medication for Type 2 diabetes. It’s been around a long time and is very well studied. Because of this, healthcare providers often recommend trying metformin first.
Providers also prescribe metformin as the first choice for gestational diabetes if medication is necessary.
What are the side effects of oral diabetes medications?. All medications have possible side effects, including oral diabetes medications. Each type of diabetes medication can cause different issues.
Ask your healthcare provider about the possible side effects of the diabetes medication you’re considering starting. Your pharmacist can also answer questions.
What enzyme is good for diabetes?
“Our study has been able to demonstrate that the enzyme SphK2 is a key player in the regulation of insulin. Future research can now look at targeting both SphK2 and sphingosine, by either genetic or pharmacological means. If we can help normalise their levels in the body we can then aid the management of both insulin resistance and diabetes,” said Dr Qi.
It is estimated that approximately 1. 8 million Australians suffer from some form of diabetes with the disease associated with a reduced life span, blindness, amputation, increased risk of heart disease as well as a poorer quality of life.
“Our findings are important as they may provide us with a completely new way to treat diabetes and to help change lives for the better,” said Dr Qi.
What enzymes produce insulin?
Insulin is produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets in most vertebrates and by the Brockmann body in some teleost fish. Cone snails : Conus geographus and Conus tulipa, venomous sea snails that hunt small fish, use modified forms of insulin in their venom cocktails. The insulin toxin, closer in structure to fishes’ than to snails’ native insulin, slows down the prey fishes by lowering their blood glucose levels.
Insulin is produced exclusively in the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in mammals, and the Brockmann body in some fish. Human insulin is produced from the INS gene, located on chromosome 11. Rodents have two functional insulin genes; one is the homolog of most mammalian genes ( Ins2 ), and the other is a retroposed copy that includes promoter sequence but that is missing an intron ( Ins1 ). Transcription of the insulin gene increases in response to elevated blood glucose. This is primarily controlled by transcription factors that bind enhancer sequences in the ~400 base pairs before the gene’s transcription start site.
The major transcription factors influencing insulin secretion are PDX1, NeuroD1, and MafA.
What enzymes break down sugar?
From there, the wall of the small intestine begins to make lactase, sucrase, and maltase. These enzymes break down the sugars even further into monosaccharides or single sugars.
These sugars are the ones that are finally absorbed into the small intestine. Once they’re absorbed, they’re processed even more by the liver and stored as glycogen. Other glucose is moved through the body by the bloodstream.
The hormone insulin is released from the pancreas and allows the glucose to be used as energy.
Anything that’s left over after these digestive processes goes to the colon. It’s then broken down by intestinal bacteria. Fiber is contained in many carbohydrates and cannot be digested by the body. It reaches the colon and is then eliminated with your stools.
What enzymes increase blood sugar levels?
The difference is in how these hormones contribute to blood sugar regulation. Glucagon increases blood sugar levels, whereas insulin decreases blood sugar levels. If your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body doesn’t use it properly, you can have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which leads to diabetes.
What is the difference between glucagon and glycogen?. Glucagon and glycogen are not the same. Glycogen is a stored form of glucose (sugar). Your body primarily stores glycogen in your liver and muscles.
Glucagon is a hormone that triggers liver glycogen to convert back into glucose and to enter your bloodstream so that your body can use it for energy.
What is the target enzyme for diabetes?
Abstract. Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a major enzyme responsible for insulin degradation. In addition to insulin, IDE degrades many targets including glucagon, atrial natriuretic peptide, and beta-amyloid peptide, regulates proteasomal degradation and other cell functions. IDE represents a pathophysiological link between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Potent and selective modulators of IDE activity are potential drugs for therapies of both diseases. Acute treatment with a novel IDE inhibitor was recently tested in a mouse study as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of T2DM. In contrast, effective IDE activators can be used for the AD treatment. However, because of the pleiotropic IDE action, the sustained treatment with systemic IDE modulators should be carefully tested in animal studies. Development of substrate-selective IDE modulators could overcome possible adverse effects of IDE modulators associated with multiplicity of IDE targets.
Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) represents a pathophysiological link between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Selective modulators of IDE activity are potential drugs for both T2DM and AD treatment.
What enzymes are more active in diabetic patients?
They have generally found increased serum /3- glucuronidase in diabetics and a still higher average activity in diabetics with atherosclerosis.
Which enzyme breaks glucose?
All cells contain the enzyme hexokinase, which catalyzes the conversion of glucose that has entered the cell into glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Since the cell membrane is impervious to G6P, hexokinase essentially acts to transport glucose into the cells from which it can then no longer escape. Hexokinase is inhibited by high levels of G6P in the cell. Thus the rate of entry of glucose into cells partially depends on how fast G6P can be disposed of by glycolysis, and by glycogen synthesis (in the cells which store glycogen, namely liver and muscles).
Glucokinase, unlike hexokinase, is not inhibited by G6P. It occurs in liver cells, and will only phosphorylate the glucose entering the cell to form G6P, when the glucose in the blood is abundant. This being the first step in the glycolytic pathway in the liver, it therefore imparts an additional layer of control of the glycolytic pathway in this organ.
Phosphofructokinase is an important control point in the glycolytic pathway, since it is one of the irreversible steps and has key allosteric effectors, AMP and fructose 2, 6-bisphosphate (F2, 6BP).
What is the best and safest diabetes medication?
Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
What is the strongest medicine for diabetes?
Insulin (long- and rapid-acting) … Metformin (biguanide class) … Glipizide (sulfonylurea class) … Glimepiride (sulfonylurea class) … Invokana (sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor class) … Jardiance (SGLT2 class) … Januvia (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor) … Pioglitazone (thiazolidinediones)
Here are the Top 10 medications in terms of efficacy for lowering A1C and blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a serious condition that is brought on by decreased insulin secretion from the pancreas and diminished insulin sensitivity in the muscle cells. It is characterized by excessive urination, extreme thirst, high blood sugar, and increased appetite. 1.
There are a number of medications on the market to help manage this condition, but the following are the top 10 in terms of showing efficacy in lowering A1C and blood sugar levels.
📹 Reversing Type 2 diabetes starts with ignoring the guidelines | Sarah Hallberg | TEDxPurdueU
Can a person be “cured” of Type 2 Diabetes? Dr. Sarah Hallberg provides compelling evidence that it can, and the solution is …
We will miss you Dr. Sarah. You were one of the pioneers in bringing a new health paradigm to the masses. It takes courage to go against the stream and tell people to do the opposite of the official guide lines in order to get healthy. Thanks to your work, millions are better off. Your legacy will live on.
On Jan 01 2018 I was diagnosed as Type 2 diabetic. My Blood sugar was in the high 500’s. I know a walking time bomb. I watched this article and subsequently implemented the doctor’s advice in my lifestyle. Fast forward to February 13, 2018. After recording all my blood sugar readings it showed of average range of 91 to 101. My doctor’s first word to me were “it’s a miracle” you are no longer a diabetic. I can’t go back to eating like before, I just need to keep eating and exercising the way I have been the last six weeks. A VERY BIG THANK YOU, to Doctor SARAH HALBERG!….Folks it can be done.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year and I’m so grateful I found this article. I am no longer on insulin and have lost almost 50 pounds. I still have a ways to go for my goal, but this really does make a huge difference. My A1C went from 9.4 (I found out when I was hospitalized for covid) and now it’s 5.6!
I can guarantee you that reversing Type II diabetes is possible…because I did it! I am a 58 yr old male who weighted 247 lbs last Feb when I started dieting. I now weigh 182 lbs and I’m on my way to a target of 168 lbs (“normal” for my height). I visited my Dr last week and had lab work done. My labs were normal WITHOUT meds ( I dropped them all, AMA, last April, so my latest labs were a solid baseline.) Let this be a word of encouragement to all of you…Type II diabetes can be defeated!!!
If your allergic to peanuts, do you keep eating peanut butter, and then jab an epi pen into your body so you don’t die. Thats pretty much what modern medicine has been doing with diabetes care. I am down 130 pounds, and about to break through the no longer diabetic barrier in my next blood test. This woman is a hero for all she has put herself through for us.
I am a Type 1 diagnosed at age 58. After hospital discharge in 2011, a friend/diabetic educator told me to IGNORE the American Diabetes Association recommendations or I would be fat first and deceased in less than 10-years. Because of his advice and my dedication to monitoring the food I eat, my semi-annual Ac1 is 5.3. I no longer have hunger pains, no longer experience food cravings, my insulin requirements are minimal. Knowledge is power!
So upset to hear Sarah passed away from stage 4 lung cancer this past week end of March 2022. She has saved so many people from dying themselves with her work. My GP uses her methods and we both have turned our Diabetes around too. My GP acts like your best girl friend. So now we all know the name of an angel in Heaven. I wish her peace in heaven and God bless her three children and husband. She left us all too soon, but God needed her more I guess? RIP Sarah. :–)
I’m sorry she passed away. This is the first time I come across this article. We need more doctors like her. I was told I was diabetic and was able to reverse my diabetes to below pre-diabetes in 7 months with what she is saying to do. I only eat lean fats (fish, turkey, chicken). It’s possible but we are literally addicted to carbs and sugars and people find it hard to give them up. I no longer crave them but I was like a junky in withdrawal when I refused to become a statistic.
Very informative. Sad to hear she passed away. I just got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and the first thing my doctor said is that were not putting you on medication right away, because we want to try to reverse it with diet and exercise. This is why I love my doctor. Too many people and industries are okay with letting other people suffer as long as it makes them money.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Hallberg’s passing and want to extend my condolences to her love ones. For those unaware, she suddenly discovered she had stage 4 lung cancer. I have insulin resistance and have been trying to reverse this with low carbs. This sad news will redouble my efforts and if I am successful will be another instant of her unknowingly helping yet another person. Her efforts have been truly astounding and her passing a sad day for all
Even in her passing she continues to touch and improve our lives. I have hope because of her. The world definitely needs more doctors like her. May God provide her family friends and coworkers the strength and peace her loss has brought. I’m hurting and I didn’t even know her. Her legacy will live on.
I was diagnosed two years ago. I cut my total calories to around 1900 daily, cut out all desserts and most bread rice and potatoes, added five hours more exercise a week and lost 25 pounds. I am in remission without drugs. The thing that helped me the most was buying a scale and getting on it every day.
I did it. You can do it, too. I gave up bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, juice, sweets, all fast food. Cold turkey. And I walked 20 minutes every day. Within 2 weeks I no longer craved any of those foods and in 2 months I was off insulin. Another 3 weeks and I was off metformin, too. That was 11 years ago. My A1C was 11.8 when diagnosed. It has been in the 5’s every test in past 11 years. I refuse to be diabetic. I refuse to live on a merry-go-round of drugs that treat one symptom and cause another. That’s not living.
Dr Sarah was one of those who gave me hope when i got my diagnosis of type2 diabetes. I was diagnosed with an a1c of 10.5. Amidst all doom and gloom, perusal this very article of her not just gave me hope to live and survive but also a plan of action to get to a better happier healthier place. This is something my own physician could not do :). Today 5 years down the line, a low carb lifestyle that maam prescribed enables me to live a “normal”, medication free, insulin free life. I have had my a1c in the normal range six months after my diagnosis till now. Maam i want yo say this to you and i hope u can hear me – i never had the chance to meet you. I have a lot of respect and gratitude for you and your contribution to the medical field. I feel deep love for you. I came to know about your sad demise and your long struggle with cancer recently. I am sorry to hear that. I feel a deep sense of loss with your passing. You will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all that you did for me and your patients. My deepest heartfelt condolence to Dr Sarahs family. I hope the lord gives you the courage and strength to cope. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. May your soul rest in peace Dr Sarah. 🙏🙏🙏
I was diagnosed with T2D 20 months ago. With an A1C of 6.7, I started researching low carb healthy eating and decided this was for me. Within six months I had dropped my A1C down to 5.6 and now 20 months later my A1C is below 5.0 with an eAG of 83 and daily FBS’s in the low to mid 80’s. In addition, I’ve lost 130 pounds and I’m down in my weight to where I was 50 years ago when we got married. I live by the mantra that my T2D is in remission instead of being reversed because I know that if I don’t eat and live this healthy lifestyle I can easily be back where I started 20 months ago and I NEVER intend on going there again – EVER!
I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last October. I first viewed this article researching my diabetes at that time. It just made sense to me. I started looking into low carb diets and after 7 months of a high fat, low carb (HFLC) diet my endocrinologist has told me I no longer need my medications and she is amazed at how well I controlled my blood sugar levels. The side benefit is a loss of nearly 40 pounds. My high blood pressure has also been reduced dramatically. A HFLC diet has worked for me. I’m off medications, I feel great and I’m still shedding pounds. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Sarah.
I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Hallberg died from lung cancer in 2022. I saw this article in 2017 when I was recovering from two kinds of endometrial cancer. At the same time, I was diagnosed with diabetes. By following her advice, I reversed the diabetes and lost 40 pounds. I no longer am diagnosed with diabetes. Actually my doctor said that she considers me “a diet-controlled diabetic”. I’ve also been free of cancer for six years. It’s not just what I eat, it’s also getting more exercise. I moved to Mexico and live in a small mountain town without a car. I walk everywhere. I never got into eating baked goods made with non-grain based flours, but I’m going to try that. I usually break my fast with a breakfast of either quinoa or some kind of eggs, usually with lots of veggies. It doesn’t spike my blood sugar the way that oatmeal, yogurt and other things I used to have for breakfast did. I do eat avocadoes every day. So wonderful to live in Michoacan where they are plentiful year-round. I also have locally-made butter, which is the best. My advice to anyone with cancer or diabetes is to take it as a wake-up call that you need to take better care of your health.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring TEDx talk on reversing Type 2 diabetes. Your approach of ignoring conventional guidelines and focusing on individualized care is both innovative and impactful. Your message is eye-opening and shows that there is hope for those suffering from this condition. Your passion for helping others and improving their health is evident and truly inspiring. Your talk has shed light on a different perspective and has motivated many to take control of their health. Your contribution to this field is invaluable and we appreciate the work you do. Great job!
A fantastic TED Talk. It’s the first time I’ve come across it and I’m shocked to learn it was made over 8 years ago. I do hope this will continue to feature prominently in the YT algorithm as there are so many people who need to know about this. And to discover this wonderfully passionate lady is no longer with us is just sad. Vale Sarah, we will never know how many lives you have both saved and will continue to save.
During the pandemic, I was consuming 500 grams of sugar per day give or take. Mostly sweet tea and cola. It got to the point where I could hardly function every day because of how sick I felt. I assumed I was having heart issues, possibly kidney issues, or liver damage. Maybe cancer. I wasn’t sure what it was so I finally decided to begin a “self diagnosis experiment” where I quit consuming any sugars or carbs of any kind and begin intermittent fasting 16/8. The sugar and especially caffeine withdrawal was horrific. Blinding headaches and nausea. After about three days, mostly in bed, the headaches started to go away and the energy I began to feel came back like I hadn’t felt in at least 5 years. Before, it was all I could do to stay awake after eating a meal. That went away almost immediately. I am now literally in a recovery process from how sick I was making myself due to my strong addiction to sugar and caffeine. I feel truly like a drug addict as I was ignoring my health just to get my all day fix of sugar and caffeine. Folks like Dr. Hallberg are modern day heroes for trying to get this info out to the public.
I was diagnosed with a full-blown diabetes with an A1C level of 9.9 six months ago. The doctor put me through metformin for six months. I religiously followed her guidelines, lost 22 pounds and slashed A1C to 5.0. Not on the medication anymore. I am determined to maintain it not just for months but for years.
Will always remember this lady. I owe her a debt of gratitude for helping get started on keto. Am now without meds after suffering from diabetes and two heart attacks including a heart bypass and have not been this healthy in more than 20 years thanks to her. The greatest tribute I can give to her is to continue what she was doing by sharing what I have learnt from her to as many people as I can even though I am not a doctor. Thank you, Sarah Hallberg and your family. Thank you from a grateful man and his family.
I no longer take diabetes meds and my sugars are normal. I’ve lost weight and feel more energetic. A whole host of complications, yeast infections, chronic constipation, arthritis, sleeping problems, anxiety, leg cramps are either gone or way diminished. The diet leaves me feeling satisfied and not feeling hungry. I’ve rolled back at least 20 years of my life. Thanks to you and others like you for a new wonderful life.
I am just reading that Dr. Hallberg passed last year! Dr. Hallbert, I hope you can see this post in heaven! I am so grateful to you and this article. At 56, I was a few years into an on-call 24/7 stressful job that didn’t allow me the time to do anything besides work, I was tired, had gained 20 lbs., had pre-diabetes and my overall cholesterol was 223. I was offered statins by my doctor but, told him, no thank you, “I broke it. I need to fix it”. I found your article. I ramped up slowly, doing low GPS when I couldn’t do no GPS but, always aiming for and returning to the “no”. I lost 15 lbs the first year and then a year later 5 more. Not huge numbers but, exactly what I needed. I eat so much healthier now. I have the energy to exercise again, no longer have pre-diabetes and my overall cholesterol is just under 200. Sooo grateful. God bless you in heaven and your family here.
I was pre-diabetic and hypertensive. At 5’6″ 195 pounds. With a low carb modification I am no longer either of these and lost 35 pounds and feel great. The weight melted off and my blood pressure dropped like a rock to normal levels. My doctor had told me I was going to be on medication if I did not make a change and the side effects would have been miserable so I was highly motivated. This is now a life style for me. I will never go back to high carb foods as they are absolutely addictive. With any carbs over 20 it immediately triggers cravings. Break the chain and you set yourself free…
Over 3 years ago, I watched this article while waiting to pick my granddaughter up from school. It began a journey that saved my life! I had recently been diagnosed with diabetes after years of coming close but not quite there. When I watched this talk and heard how much money is being made each year because of the “incurable & progressive” disease of diabetes. Knowing how money motivates people, I knew that would not be my path. Thanks to good people, I found KETO and have followed it for over 3 years. Down over 50 pounds and really enjoying eating again. The best part is that i am no longer diabetic! Thanks, Dr. Sarah and others like you who are bucking the trends and getting the real message out. You are winning but it will take time for society to change because we are being told that apples & bananas are good for us. Technology makes it possible to get these messages out and I pray that more people will listen.
I really enjoyed this article. Opened my eyes tremendously on the topic of diabetes control. Its is a shame to learn you have passed, may you rest in peace Dr. Hallberg. Thank you for sharing this information with us and I hope the torch on your research is carried forward by physicians everywhere on this topic.
I’ve been doing Keto for about 8 months. I’ve lost 73 pounds My A1C dropped from over 10 down to 5.7 My Liver and Kidney function lab results are perfect for the first time in decades ALL OF MY BLOOD WORK AND URINE labs are 100% perfect (again for the first time in years). My Cholesterol and Triglycerides went from very high and dangerous to PERFECT: Triglycerides: From 194 to 68 LDL: From 136 to 95 My blood sugars went from the high 300s down to between 90 – 120 And I no longer need to take 7 drugs (yes, literally 7 drugs) per day.
I would love to know why over 4.5 k dislikes ?!! As someone with type 2 diabetes I can undoubtedly attest that this information is 100 percent spot on ! I went low carb about 2 months ago and now have no need for my diabetes medicine, I stopped taking them a month ago ! I feel absolutely great and I am losing weight ! I also exercise 4 days on, 1 day off rotation. Never going back to carbs again !
This is truly one of the greatest presentations I’ve heard in a long time. I was diagnosed with T2 four months ago and decided to make a lifestyle change: no sugar and minimal carbs, 20 or less net a day. Lost 25 pounds and still going. No meds, and blood pressure normal. My mind is clearer than ever. Thanks for posting this article. I 🙏🏼 that anyone who is insulin resistant sees it and there life is changed for the best.
I was diagnosed with diabetes 8 months ago at the age of 22, and it completely shocked me. I had no idea what to do until I came across this amazing article that changed my life. Since then, I’ve made incredible progress. I started at 181 lbs, and now I’m down to 146 lbs. As a lifelong vegan, I realized that my Asian diet, which included a lot of rice, combined with my lack of exercise, contributed to my type 2 diabetes. But things have turned around for me. I now have oatmeal for breakfast and lunch, drink plenty of water every day, and strive to achieve 6000 steps daily. I also incorporate 30 minutes of exercise, burning around 100-200 calories per session. After 8 months of determination and hard work, I am thrilled to say that my A1C has dropped to 5.2. I never thought I would be able to achieve such amazing results without even having to poke my finger for blood tests. I’ve been following a low-carb diet since my diagnosis, and it has made a world of difference. I want to share my story to inspire others. Yes, type 2 diabetes can be reversed! I did it, and I believe you can do it too. Trust yourself and make the necessary changes. You have the power to take control of your health and live a vibrant life.
Dr. Hallberg I hope are resting well in your eternal glory. This article is your legacy to the world, especially as it enabled and continues to enable you to touch millions of people that you never met and who were never part of your medical practice. I am one of those people. Thank you for everything!!
After a hospital scare my labs were drawn and had an A1C of 11 and weighed almost 400 pounds. My labs were abnormal and the physicians were discussing increasing my diabetes medications which scared me as I seemed to be in an out of control spiral. I had watched the article months before but did not put much thought into it. After the hospital scare I decided to give this a try. After 8 months I have lost almost 50 pounds and and my A1C went from 11 down to 6. My blood blood work was also normal. My managing physician has recommended discontinuing not only my diabetes medication but my blood pressure medication as well. This would mean the only thing I would take in the morning was a multi vitamin. It worked for me and could not be happier and have a much better outlook on life and diabetes is no longer a medical problem I have to deal with.
I’m deeply saddiened by the news of Dr. Sarah’s death. THis one article changed my Type 2 diabetes life!. She answered more of my questions in 18 minutes than any doctor had ever been able to do. My A1C was 11.5 before perusal this and in 6 months I got it down to 6.1. Her straight forward approach to this disease was what I needed. I have sent this article link out dozens of times in the last year so her reach lives on. RIP Dr. Sarah Hallberg.
When I asked my Dr. about controlling diabetes with Dr. Hallberg’s advice I was told, “Your diabetes will get worse, you will need more medication over time and will eventually die from the disease.” Found out then that if you want to get barred from a medical group of providers, simply disagree with your doctor. Doesn’t matter if you are nice about it. Luckily I found a local naturalpath to work with, and yes I am here to tell you that Dr. Hallberg’s advice absolutely works. It took 2 weeks from when I started until my blood sugar readings became consistently normal.
I have had a dark discoloration in my neck for the past 5 years. Various doctors including my uncle said that was a sign of insulin resistance. That I could get diabetes. I would get so angry and annoyed that they would say that.. My paternal grandmother died after living in a vegetative state because of a diabetic coma she had (type 2). My maternal aunt was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I’ve realized that this is something that could happen to me. I’m 22 and I’ve decided to do something about it. I want to be healthy well into my old age. It’s all about what you eat, to take responsibility over your nutrition and body.
There is no hesitation to state that this article by the late Dr Sarah Hallberg will remain as her most crucial contribution in the world educating and saving scores of T2D patients world over who are suffering from T2D medications and further multi organ complications. Dr Sarah’s journey is not only richly educating but also a great sacrifice for the sake of the health of the world. It is a wonder that in the capitalistic US, such doctors existed and still exist as the economy is relative focussed on quantitative capital where medication plays a major role in health, sacrificing qualitative health where diet plays a prominent role in health
I am not diabetic but I am insulin resistant. I have struggled for months following the advice of most medical professionals. I finally decided to try something more dramatic. I became a carnivore. I cut out all sugar and carbs. I would have less than 10g of carbs daily from cheese. I lost 35lbs. I am now transitioning to a keto style of eating where I can have low carb veggies. I know it was drastic, but it was what I needed, and now, as I add foods back into my diet, I can see if I have any sensitivities I may not have known about. I didn’t know it, but asparagus makes me feel extremely bloated, and I don’t tolerate it. It has been the best thing I ever did for myself. Quiting sugar and refined carbs has given me the freedom to feel good again. To anyone who thinks that they can’t give up sugar… it is easier than you think. Eventually, after a few weeks, you won’t crave sugar anymore.
She is 100% correct in everything she says . I was diagnosed as T2D in April of 2014 . I weighed 255 pounds with a 42 inch waist. Today I weigh 162 pounds with a 32 inch waist . I am no longer on diabetes medications . I eat probably 30-40 grams of carbs per day . I I have enormous amounts of energy and do not feel like I am missing out anything food wise. I look great ~! I am not CURED of T2D but rather consider myself to have put my diabetes into remission by diet and weight loss.
A really outstanding TED talk!! Thank you so very much Sarah for telling it like it really is in the food consumption world. I know you did use the “keto” word, but my sister who was type 2 did so well on her keto diet that she was able to get off of medication, and her A1C now runs around 5. Low Carb is DEFINITELY the way to go. I have no pre or diabetic problems. But, after seeing what happened to my older sister, I now utilize almond, coconut, and other nut flours, nuts, chia and flax seeds, cheese, creams, avocados, and lupin flour pastas, in my diet. I have to tell you: I feel so much better when I eat this way!
This Dr. Hit it on the head. 6 yrs. Ago I was diagnosed type 2. I was given the standard guidelines I noticed right away that my blood glucose got worse following said guidelines. I proceeded to reduce my carbs and try different foods till I figured out what worked for me along with exercise. Within a year I was in remission, and fast forward 6 years, still in remission and 30 some lbs lighter. It’s easy little changes that are remarkably hard to do because it is a hole new mindset to follow. Thanks for keeping it straight forward Dr.
Thank you for this. It’s personally very validating. With pcos & insulin resistance diagnosed 8 years ago. I cut carbs out almost 2 years ago (rice, pasta, grains, flour etc) & never felt better. My results are now normal (e.g my thyroid & A1C). I trusted my instincts with this & I continue to make it my lifestyle.
I was diagnosed with Type2 about a year and a half ago. I cut out sugar and carbs. I also went on Metformin and Victoza. My doctor told me that most of her patients take a year to a year and a half to get to where I got in 3 months. Mysteriously, a lot of people don’t take Type 2 very seriously. They think that if they take the meds and just cut back on sugar and carbs, they’ll be OK. My average blood glucose level went way down. My A1C went from 10.6 to 5.8, and I’ve lost 75 lbs, so far. My goal is to get off the meds entirely.
First thing the doctors said when my ex husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was that he didn’t have to change his diet entirely, just limit it, that he could have brown rice and complex carbs. They also said he could eat fruit, because it’s considered complex. Every time he would eat fruit, his sugar went up. Same with rice. They told him he could eat 1 medium sized potato per week. After spending a few months perusal this happen, I became involved by reading the back of every label, perusal his carbs, reduced them to less than 20 carbs per day, and within 6 months, he came off of Metformin, lost 100 pounds, and is no longer diabetic.
I kept getting abscesses and was diagnosed with HS, this condition went on for 30 years until I begged my dr to check me for diabetes….when he finally looked into my history, this was before patient history was available online like it is now…I was misdiagnosed with many conditions…anyway I had diabetes for about 10 years and no one told me…getting a dr to listen to you is the,most important thing…great article!
Thank you Dr. Sarah for lighting this up. Cutting carbs will works well for both type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as for those who wants smaller waist. I’m a skinny person, but few years ago my waistline was growing bigger due to excessive amount of rice that I ate in order to gain weight, but it ended up making the tummy bigger. I started exercising daily but the fat wont go because I ate the same amount of carbs. When i started to cut down the portion of my rice, the waistline is significantly reduced just in a matter of few weeks, and no heavy exercise involved. So, the bottomline, just cut the carbs. It’s tasty but it really is not good for you when it’s too much.
I am going to try her method with my 14-year-old grandson who is now obese due to too much carbohydrates intake. This will save him from that dreadful ailment in the future. Thank you doctor, you are not one who would want people to get sick because there is a lot of money to gain from sick people. Thank you.
I agree! I tried the same principles of this diet. lost 28 pounds and felt so much better in myself, even though I’m not diabetic (except mine was called the auto-immune protocol and included finding out about food intolerances too that might be affecting my health). I also gained energy and saw a marked improvement in my autoimmune disease and in my fibromyalgia.
I’m 27 and likely a type 2 diabetic. Both of my parents are type 2 diabetics so I figured one day I would get it. I didn’t expect to get gestational diabetes at 27 because I was still “young” I’m going to cut out most carbs and stick to a Mediterranean diet because I refuse to be sick for the rest of my life. I refuse to be sick forever or take meds to the day I die. I was always confused about how much carbs I was instructed to eat when pregnant and cut them in half to 20 opposed to 40grams and my nurses kept stressing that I needed to eat more carbs. I didn’t. My baby had normal levels thank God! I’m sick of hearing it’s not reversible. I refuse to believe it.
I’m a retired dietitian and one year when I was still working I went to a Diabetes association convention and it was very different from my usual dietetic conventions. The money poured into that five day event was incredible. Drugs are big business and keeping medical professionals on their side is also big business.
Ok, so my doctor said my diabetes was getting worse and insulin shots would be next. Then, I came across this TEDxand, “THANKS!!!” My friends wonder what happened to me. I’ve lost 30 pounds and dropped 100 points off my average blood sugar number in about 3 months. {BTW, I mostly disregarded the exercise part and still got these results.} The doctor just halved my meds and said a couple more points off my A1C and I won’t be classified as diabetic anymore. I refer everyone who mentions the word diabetes to this TED talk. God bless you.
Went from an A1C of 9.0 to 5.3 in four months and have stayed there for a year now with none of my previous medications. Triglycerides fell dramatically without grains and cholesterol levels (lipids) came into the normal range. This has truly been life changing (oh, and I have lost 75 pounds in 18 months)!
Just recently got diagnosed as a Type 2 diabetic. Was remitted to the hospital with ketoacidosis. After being on an insulin drip to bring me back down to a reasonable level, I was released with a prescription for Lantus and Humalog. Having no insurance, I applied for assistance from the manufacturers. In the meantime, my Dr. strongly suggested I go to Walmart and get the 70/30 OTC stuff and take 35 units once a day in the morning. Since my diagnosis, I’ve been riding 35-45 minutes daily on my Peloton bike, and keeping the carbs down. I’ve lost 8 lbs. in FOUR DAYS. I bought both a glucometer online (Dario) and blood pressure cuff (Omron), and I’ve brought both my blood pressure (with aid of meds) and my blood sugar down measurably. I look forward to continuing on this journey medicine free.
Wow! Just found this and can confirm it works. Great presentation and 100% accurate! My story is this. Three months ago, I popped a 548 blood sugar. Many people that go that high don’t make it out. I went to a low carb/near keto diet. For me that was carbs in one meal every 2-3 days. Within 4 weeks I (not my doctors) took myself off of insulin injections because it was having a negative impact on my exercise. To be fair, part of that was going too low on carbs for the exercise I was doing. I am an endurance athlete, bicycling 3-4 hours at a time or 4-8 hours of hiking. As such, I still need to keep some carbs in my diet. For me 3 out of every 4-5 meals has carbs, but for the level of exercise I do, this is about correct. Two months after the diagnosis, I (not my doctors) am weening myself off of the Metformin as well. It has been 100% exercise and carb control. Great presentation and 100% accurate!
I “cured” (controlled) my type 2 diabetes by going on a full, healthy, ketogenic diet. It took five months, but it was worth the adjustment time. I now have normal blood sugar, without the need for diabetes medications. Doctors should learn about this. I lost weight, too, to a new normal level. I have just as much energy as when I ate carbs.
I know someone who has advocated zero carbs and increasing fat intake for diabetic patients for 20 years now and even had a patient who was on Insulin injections for over 7+ years get taken off Insulin in just 3 weeks following a similar eating pattern. Also used a similar argument against following those recommended diabetic diets! He called it a “merry go round” which set people up to be diabetics for life! Was he right!
I started eating this way for 6 months and my diabetes is cured – I have the same insulin sensitivity now as a non diabetic – I can eat a carb meal including dessert and take care of the blood glucose as fast as a non diabetic. My diabetes cannot be detected from blood work or even a glucose tolerance test. That is cured.
The biggest problem with controlling diabetes through diet is the lazy human variable. You can lead a horse to water but cant force them to drink. Most people rather eat pills or shoot insulin than to change their shitty eating habits. We live in an instant gratification society full of people with 0 discipline or work ethic. Sad but true.
I went for a physical on 12/06/18 because I was loosing a lot of weight and was always very thirsty on 12/10/18 I got a call from the nurse saying That I had diabetes and that the I needed to go back and see the doctor but the next available appt is for 01/04/19, to make a long story short I started I checked my blood sugar that same day and it was at 320 I started eating a low carb diet gradually my blood sugars have gone down 170 – 140 – 126 – 117 -100 this morning 12/28/18 I checked it when I woke up it is at 89 so low carb diet really works FYI I have also been a bit more physically active not a whole lot, we’ll see what she tells me the day of my appt.
I don’t have diabetes, but my wife does, and I’m committed to helping her reverse it. Traveling has shown us how simple and delicious other cultures’ diets can be. Back in the States, the food often seems unhealthy and overly processed. Our research supports this, highlighting the questionable ingredients in many products. We’ve found joy in cooking gourmet meals at home, setting a new standard for quality and taste. Eating out, even at high-end restaurants, often disappoints because the food lacks natural flavor. Fast food is even more concerning; for example, McDonald’s patties don’t have the texture or taste of real meat. Just as one example, try making your own burger from scratch with ground beef, and you’ll see how simple and delicious it can be. The more you cook for yourself, the more you’ll appreciate the quality and flavor of homemade meals. You’ll be in control of the ingredients you’re using and have a confident and knowledgeable feeling of what you’re consuming. You’ll start to develop high standards for food quality and taste, and you’ll realize you deserve the best. As the saying goes, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Believe me, it’s easier and more delicious than you think. Taking charge of your diet is empowering, and the rewards are worth it. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the journey to better eating and living!
RIP Dr Sarah, this is excellent information and will live on forever with your help. I lost so much weight doing Keto, I always heard it wasn’t sustainable, and I know I’m going to be eating more carbs again at some point, but the more I learn about this stuff, the more I start to wonder how I was letting myself eat so badly all the time in the first place, especially when you can bake your own sweets with almond and coconut and flax flower. Currently growing potatoes, and I still love them, but it long ago stopped being a staple in my dinner Also, I’m not diabetic, but if I found out it could actually be reversed or mostly taken care of with diet alone after living with it for 20 years, or worse, getting an amputation, I would want to find and rip the head off the guy who came up with the food pyramid. Jesus
👄I am on a ketogenic diet. First step was to eliminate grains, sugar and processed foods (causes of body inflammation). Have completely reversed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vitamin D deficiency, arthritic joint pain, sleeplessness; lost 25 pounds in eight weeks, no longer pre-diabetic. Have weened myself off of all medications, which are more expensive than “good” food…you can take it from there!
With stories like this, I wonder how ketogenic diet‘s aren’t being mass prescribed? Yet another indication of how corrupt and inane at times the medical community actually is. Sad. Rest in peace. I’m working with an amazing nutritionist who was greatly inspired by your work Dr. Sarah Hallberg.Saddened to hear about your passing. Thank you for all you have done. Rest in peace.
It’s true that cutting carbs will get rid of blood sugar spikes; but then what are you left to eat? Meat, cheese, eggs… basically, a lot of fatty foods. Then you may not have diabetes symptoms anymore, but good luck with your heart attack or stroke. Fat is the cause of many more problems than carbs. Fruits and veggies are essential to good health. If you only ate that, you wouldn’t have diabetes in the first place.
Please, Dr. Hallberg, be honest next time and explain that these three curves (04:18) are only a qualitative representation of the short term effects of consuming the three macronutrients in isolated form under certain circumstances (like having the predamaged metabolism of a person eating the western diet). Please also explain that nonlinear synergistic effects are observed when those macronutrients are consumed in combination (e.g. a small amount of chicken added to a rice dish >> TWICE the insulin response) which happens to be the rule in the real world. Please also explain that the effects look different on different time scales (even white rice and white sugar restore insulin sensitivity long term as shown by e.g. Kempner et al.). The big picture might be more complex and less popular but it will allow you to draw more useful/helpful conclusions and give less harmful advice next time. Fats, especially saturated (= animal) and trans (= animal/hydrogenated) fats stored in muscles, the liver and the pancreas, are THE reason for insulin resistance (see e.g. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18460913 where they are doing further research based on that knowledge). That is nowadays established and a general consensus in the scientific community. That short term insulin response shown here (which is only observed under unfortunate conditions) is of little importance compared to the long term effect. Average insulin levels strongly depend on fat buildup + the short term insulin response to a meal strongly depends on fat buildup and the amount of fat present in the blood.
Doctor’s are quick, to tell people they’re type 2. when a big portion of them are not. I was told i was type 2. My a1c was 7 but when checking my blood sugar it was never high or low. next time my a1c was 6.7 then 6.5 and i was told i still have to take the medication. I quit taking the medication i just didn’t tell the doctor.
I have a dear friend suffering the very long-term effects of T2D. I just listened this in its entirety which inspired me to forward it to him. I’ve been talking to this friend about a low carb diet and everything this doctor says is backing up (and more) everything I’ve been telling him. He believes his obesity is genetic because his whole family is obese. I explained the propensity for obesity may be genetic but obesity is a food issue not necessarily a gene issue. He is encouraged and really trying despite the terrible food choices his whole family makes. I hope this article encourages him further. RIP Dr. Sarah. Your insight will be missed.
I became a diabetic in 2009 and my doctor wanted to put me on medication which I refused. I dropped to 2 meals a day and had them in a 9 hour window. Breakfast is like 2 slices of bread which I take about 9:00, 3 hours after I start work and the other meal is before 6 PM. Before I started all this my blood sugar spiked to 18, 2 hours after a meal. Today it is about 8-9, 2 hours after a meal. Today I am rid of diabetes and never taken a pill for that. I cut down on carbs, going down to zero sometimes. I dont snack and if I get hungry I take a glass of cold water and/or a raw carrot
I was a month ago diagnosed with type 2. A1c was 7.2. I radically changed my diet to cut all grain carbs and just get carbs from fruits and vegetables. I now walk 1 to 2 miles a day additionally to my normal everyday activity. Doing all this even before my insurance sorted out me getting mounjaro I saw drastic results. It’s been a month and I’ve lost 20 pounds and counting and I don’t feel sick anymore. It is possible. I look forward to eventually having my diabetes reversed. You can do it too. I believe in you.
I just got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I’ve been here before in the last 40 years. Gestational diabetes with baby #2, fixed that after delivery and nursing,gained a ton of weight at menopause and fixed that through diet and exercise and now at 63 just diagnosed with type 2. But once again through diet and exercise I can keep my blood sugar at bay with exercising after every meal and dropping all most all carbs and some proteins including nuts and beans. Yep foods that are suppose to help lower your blood sugar only raised mine 😬 I keep a detailed food and exercise journal and test my blood glucose when I wake up (it’s always high) and 2 hours after every meal. So far through changing my diet and amping up my fitness ( I was a fitness instructor for 10 years) I am OK for now. We’ll see what happens as I get older but for now I am not on any medication 👍 🎉
Preach it. I went with my mother-in-law to a diabetes nutritionist and was horrified. Diabetes medicine ads papered the walls of the waiting room. The nutritional advice was perfect to keep her sick. When I asked about. “What if she really changes her diet, adds in lots of fresh veggies & whole foods?” I didn’t even mention carbs, just going from highly processed to real foods. The nutritionist said, “oh no, we don’t want to do that!” And basically taught her to count IHOP pancakes with hash browns on the side. I came home (even more) disgusted with traditional medicine & more inspired to make changes ourselves if we want to stay healthy. My husband has lowered high cholesterol by changing his diet. It’s incredibly powerful. Thank you for saying it Dr. Sarah! My teenager now believes it- it’s not just mom being crazy & thinking she’s smarter than the doctors. 🙂
I have just been diagnosed with type 2 here in the UK and for the last few weeks have had a mixture of conflicting information regarding what to eat and not to eat. I watched Dr Sarah’s article and within 18 minutes she simplified the process for the benefit of the patient thankyou! I am sorry to hear that she has passed away
Excellent presentation. I got diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic 3 months and stopped the carbs immediately, including potatoes and rice bread, sour doe. Only eat salads, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, brocoli, and leafy cabbage. Unsweetened almond milk with chia seeds, walnuts, almond nuts. Steak, lamb chicken. I’m on metformin and have been wondering, Why ? And I have no desire to go insulin. I know my GP won’t be happy if I suggest coming off the medication. He has already told me that I have diabetes and I am stuck with it for life.
I realise now, my mom did well with all of her kids. No sweet and sugar, breakfast she cooked us eggs with spinach, lunch she made us green veggies with meat, also dinner. She did well for us, even it’s really hard for her to cooked for our meal but she did, thanks mom. You give us good mentality from beginning. She never allowed us to eat sweet except fruits.
I am at a loss. I am pre diabetic. I had a major surgery from a aortic aneurysm. It came out of no where. I’ve always been healthy and athletic and the past 25 years I was really going strong. Working out 1-2 times a day very hard. All fighting sports, MMA, heavy weight lifting, conditioning classes, and cardio. I don’t drink smoke or do any drugs. I eat steamed veggies, boiled Eggs, Salmon, Avocados, limited fruit, no processed carbs of any sort. My day starts off with 2 boiled eggs, clean oatmeal with cinnamon, walnuts, blueberries and a tiny bit of raisins. I eat from around 1PM to 7PM. Every time I eat my heart just races and is pounding. I get so tired I can barely function. After the surgery and all the testing over the past year I am now pre diabetic with a fatty pancreas. I still work out but have to go to PT in the hospital so I don’t work out too hard. My procedure can’t handle it now. It’s just all so confusing on why I can not function well. The doctors don’t know why. Could it be medication? They put me on very low dose of blood pressure medication because I have to keep it low due to the procedure. Also a very small dose of cholesterol medication even though I never had high cholesterol but they say I have to have it also due to the procedure. I have asked to get off those because that’s all I can think of that’s messing me up. Maybe after the aneurysm I will never function right? I know I can’t do all the extreme athletics I did before but I just want to have a day that I have some drive and energy without dreading meals and the after effects.
Great article Dr Hallberg, congratulations! The graph of Glucose/Insulin Reaction to Macronutrients (3’:55″ – 4’:07″) epitomizes the whole subject, after all ‘a picture is a thousand words’. It’s an eye opener! Please let me know where I can get hold of this graph to show family and friends, I just want the page with the graph. Congratulations and thank you!