Pharmacy and Health Blog from myGenericPharmacy.com

High A1C levels are a risk factor for diabetes and other complications. However, ideal and dangerous A1C levels can vary slightly between individuals. Lifestyle changes can help manage A1C levels. The A1C test, also known as the hemoglobin A1C, HbA1C, glycated hemoglobin, or glycohemoglobin test, measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin in the blood.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells (RBCs) to which sugar naturally attaches. However, as people with higher blood sugar levels have more sugar-coated hemoglobin, it is a useful test to help check and monitor diabetes status. Higher A1C levels are often associated with diabetes complications, so it is important to reach and maintain target A1C results. An individual’s personal A1C goal will depend on many factors, including age and any other medical conditions. Although it is an important tool for managing diabetes, testing A1C levels does not replace other strategies, such as regular blood sugar testing at home.

A person can work toward lowering and maintaining their A1C level by following their treatment plan, getting regular physical exercise, and taking steps to lose weight if their doctor has advised doing so. In this article, we discuss healthy and concerning A1C levels, the possible complications of high levels, and strategies to reduce A1C levels.

A1C test results represent how well the body is maintaining blood sugar levels by showing the average percentage of sugar-bound hemoglobin in a blood sample. A higher A1C level suggests a higher risk of diabetes and its complications.

When discussing A1C levels, a doctor may also refer to estimated average glucose, or eAG. The eAG corresponds to A1C, but it is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), the same as with blood sugar. Both A1C and eAG refer to a person’s average 3-month blood sugar levels.

However, A1C level recommendations can vary among individuals due to a number of factors. What may be high for one person might be within range for another person.

For example, people with more advanced diabetes will have higher A1C targets than those without diabetes. Various underlying conditions, including blood disorders, can also have an effect, as can potentially modifiable factors, such as stress, medications, and lifestyle changes.

A person with an A1C level indicating prediabetes may wish to consider making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a well-balanced diet and staying active, to help manage or even reverse the condition before it progresses to type 2 diabetes. If a person has a higher A1C level, suggesting diabetes, they should contact a doctor. The doctor will be able to run further diagnostic tests to confirm the person’s diabetes status.

The A1C goal for most people with diabetes is 7% or less. However, personal targets can vary, and a diabetes care team may consider other factors to help a person set their own individual goals. If a person with diabetes has an A1C test result that is much higher than their set target, a doctor can help advise lifestyle and medication changes to lower their A1C level.

What is A1C, and what does it measure?

The A1C test is a blood test that measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. In particular, it measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood with an attached molecule of glucose.

When glucose attaches to hemoglobin, experts refer to the resulting compound as glycosylated hemoglobin. The name of the test derives from the fact that about 95% to 98% of the hemoglobin present in the body is type A1. Type A1 hemoglobin has subtypes, including A1C. As this is the most abundant subtype, it is a good marker for glucose control.

The test uses a 3-month average because RBCs typically live for about 3 months. Therefore, this timeframe reflects the sugar exposure to the cells over that time. The test does not require any specific preparations, so a person does not need to fast prior to the test, and a doctor can perform it at any time of the day.

How the test works

The A1C test estimates the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. The test is able to measure this by identifying the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood.

If there is more glucose present in the blood, more glucose is available to attach to hemoglobin. Therefore, if a person has a high percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin, it indicates that they have had high blood sugar for an extended period.

Complications of high A1C

A high A1C level can be concerning, as it may indicate that an individual has a higher chance of diabetes complications. For those without a diabetes diagnosis, it suggests that, without interventions, they may develop the condition. For individuals living with diabetes, it may indicate that their current treatment plan is not effective and that they should contact a doctor.

Potential complications that can result from high blood sugar levels include:

• kidney disease
• eye disease
• stroke and cardiovascular disease
• metabolic syndrome
• neuropathy

Setting A1C goals

As many factors can affect a suitable A1C range, there is no standardized approach when it comes to setting A1C goals. A diabetes healthcare team can help provide an individual with a target level that accounts for various factors, including the current A1C value and the date of the next test.

If the test result is already within a healthy range, the goal should be to maintain that. However, if a person enters the higher ranges, a doctor can suggest changes to their goals and treatment plans. They can help the person determine a reasonable target and the best strategy to achieve that goal.

Reference:
https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/7-ways-to-lower-your-a1c-level-even-if-you-dont-have-diabetes
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/tips-to-lower-a1c
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317216
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on the link below
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

The statement “you don’t need to lose fat, just shift it” is a simplified way of expressing a powerful scientific idea: The problem isn’t just the amount of fat you have, but the location and health of that fat.

The “Bad” Fat: Visceral Fat

The most dangerous type of fat for metabolic health like prediabetes is visceral fat. This is the fat that accumulates deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your vital organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines.

• Why it’s bad: Visceral fat is not just a passive storage depot. It’s metabolically active, pumping out inflammatory chemicals and fatty acids directly into the liver.
• The result: This leads to insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells stop responding properly to insulin. Since insulin’s job is to usher glucose (sugar) into cells for energy, this resistance causes blood sugar to rise, which is the hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Visceral fat is what gives many people an “apple” body shape.

The “Better” Fat: Subcutaneous Fat

This is the fat that lies just beneath the skin, found all over the body (thighs, buttocks, arms). While excess subcutaneous fat isn’t ideal, it is far less metabolically harmful than visceral fat.

• Why it’s better: Subcutaneous fat is more stable and doesn’t directly release inflammatory chemicals into the liver’s portal circulation. In fact, having a healthy amount of subcutaneous fat in places like the hips and thighs can even be protective.

What Does “Shifting It” Mean?

“Shifting fat” means reducing the dangerous visceral fat while potentially maintaining or even increasing the healthier subcutaneous fat and, crucially, improving the health of your fat cells overall.

This “shift” happens through specific lifestyle changes:

1. Physical Activity is Key:
   • Strength/Resistance Training: This is the most powerful tool for “shifting” your body composition. Building muscle improves your body’s ability to use glucose for fuel, directly combating insulin resistance. Muscle is metabolically active tissue that burns calories even at rest.
   • Cardiovascular Exercise: Activities like brisk walking, cycling, and swimming are excellent for burning visceral fat directly.
2. Dietary Changes:
   • Reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates lowers the fat-storing signals in your body and reduces the burden on your liver.
   • Eating a diet rich in fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation.

When you do these things, here’s what happens “under the hood”:

• You lose visceral fat first. This type of fat is more readily burned for energy.
• Your fat cells become healthier. Exercise and a good diet reduce inflammation within the fat tissue itself, making it function better.
• You may gain muscle weight while losing fat weight. This is why the scale can be misleading. You can become leaner, healthier, and reverse prediabetes without seeing a dramatic change on the scale.

The Bottom Line: Is Losing Fat Still Helpful?

While the “shift” is the crucial mechanism, for most people with prediabetes, losing a modest amount of total body weight (5-7%) is the most reliable clinical way to achieve this shift and reverse the condition.

Why? Because you cannot “spot-reduce” visceral fat with a specific exercise. Your body decides where it loses fat from, and it typically goes for the dangerous visceral fat first when you create a healthy calorie deficit through diet and exercise.

So, in practice:

• The Goal: Improve metabolic health by reducing visceral fat and building muscle.
• The Most Effective Strategy: A combination of strength training, cardio, and a healthy diet.
• The Outcome: You will “shift” your fat from dangerous visceral stores to healthier body composition (more muscle, less harmful fat). This almost always involves losing some total body fat, but the focus is on the quality of your body tissues, not just the quantity on the scale.

Conclusion: Your statement is correct in spirit. The primary goal for reversing prediabetes is to change your body composition, not just to see a lower number on the scale. By focusing on building muscle and burning visceral fat through exercise and diet, you are effectively “shifting” your fat to a healthier state, which is what truly reverses the condition.

Reference:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/reversing-prediabetes-without-weight-loss-how-lifestyle-changes-fat-distribution-and-glucose-control-cut-diabetes-risk-by-70/articleshow/124549731.cms

https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/stories/wellness/5-ways-to-reduce-or-even-reverse-diabetes

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/to-reverse-prediabetes-you-dont-need-to-lose-fat-just-shift-it

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/prediabetes

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

That’s a great summary of some key findings from nutritional epidemiology. This is a topic that comes up frequently in health news, and it’s based on a substantial body of research.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what those headlines mean, the science behind them, and the important caveats.

The Science Behind the Claim

The link between moderate coffee consumption and health benefits is observed in numerous large-scale observational studies. The proposed benefits for longevity and diabetes risk reduction are thought to come from coffee’s complex blend of bioactive compounds, not just caffeine.

Key Components:

• Antioxidants: Coffee is a major source of powerful antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which fight inflammation and oxidative stress—key drivers of aging and chronic diseases.
• Other Bioactive Compounds: It contains minerals like magnesium and chromium, which improve insulin sensitivity.

For Longevity (Lower Risk of Death):
Studies have found that moderate coffee drinkers have a lower risk of dying from common causes of death like:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Certain neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s)
• Some types of cancer

The reduction in overall mortality risk is typically modest (often in the 5-15% range) but statistically significant across many studies.

For Type 2 Diabetes Risk:
The effect here is quite strong. Meta-analyses have found that people who drink 3-4 cups of coffee per day have about a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-drinkers or minimal drinkers. The mechanisms are believed to be:

1. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Compounds in coffee help the body use insulin more effectively.
2. Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a key player in the development of diabetes.

Crucial Caveats and What “3-5 Cups” Really Means

It’s vital to understand the context of these findings:

1. Correlation is not Causation: These are observational studies. They show a link or association, but they cannot prove that coffee causes longer life. It’s possible that coffee drinkers share other lifestyle traits (e.g., more active, different diets) that contribute to the benefit. However, researchers try to statistically control for these factors, and the association remains strong.
2. How You Drink It Matters MOST: The health benefits are almost exclusively linked to black coffee.
   • Adding Sugar, Syrups, or Cream: Loading your coffee with sugar, flavored syrups, and high-fat creamers can quickly turn a healthy beverage into a dessert, negating any benefits and increasing your risk of weight gain and diabetes.
   • The “Cup” Measurement: A “cup” in these studies is typically an 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of brewed black coffee, not a 20-ounce mocha latte with extra whip.
3. Genetic Sensitivity to Caffeine: Some people have a genetic variant that makes them metabolize caffeine slowly. For them, coffee can cause jitters, anxiety, insomnia, or heart palpitations. The benefits are not worth these negative side effects.
4. Existing Health Conditions: People with certain conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure, anxiety disorders, or GERD (acid reflux) may not tolerate coffee well and should consult their doctor.

Who Should Avoid or Limit Coffee?

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to limit caffeine intake.
• People with sleep disorders like insomnia.
• Those with anxiety or panic disorders.
• Individuals with certain heart conditions (e.g., arrhythmias).

The Bottom Line

For most healthy adults, moderate consumption of 3-4 cups of black coffee per day can be considered a part of a healthy diet and is associated with several positive health outcomes, including a potential longer lifespan and a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

The key is to enjoy it in its simplest form, without unhealthy additives, and to pay attention to how your own body responds.

Disclaimer: This is general health information. Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personal medical advice tailored to your specific health situation.

Reference:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250819/Review-finds-coffee-linked-to-longer-life-and-lower-disease-risk.aspx

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3-5-cups-coffee-day-linked-longer-life-lower-diabetes-risk-review

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2036266

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

Emerging research suggests that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may aid in weight control and improve metabolic health in people with type 2 diabetes by reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and aiding fat metabolism.

Detailed Breakdown:

1. The Core Problem in Type 2 Diabetes and Weight

Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to obesity, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. This creates a vicious cycle:

• Excess weight, particularly visceral fat, promotes inflammation.
• This inflammation worsens insulin resistance.
• Insulin resistance makes it harder to lose weight.
  Breaking this cycle is a key goal of diabetes management.

2. How Turmeric (Curcumin) Might Help

The potential benefits are primarily attributed to curcumin, the main bioactive anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric. It may help in several ways:

• Reducing Inflammation: Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It blocks the action of NF-kB, a molecule that turns on genes related to inflammation. By lowering systemic inflammation, curcumin can help improve insulin sensitivity, making the body’s cells more responsive to insulin.
• Improving Insulin Sensitivity: Studies have shown that curcumin supplementation can significantly lower fasting blood sugar, HbA1c (a long-term measure of blood sugar), and insulin resistance levels.
• Promoting Fat Loss: Some animal and human studies suggest curcumin can influence metabolism:
  • Suppressing Angiogenesis: It may prevent the formation of new blood vessels in fat tissue, which is necessary for fat tissue to expand.
  • Modulating Lipid Metabolism: It may help reduce circulating triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
  • Increasing Metabolic Rate: Some evidence points to a slight boost in thermogenesis (heat production), which could increase calorie burning.

3. The Evidence: What Does the Science Say?

• Promising, but Not Conclusive: Numerous small-scale human studies and meta-analyses have shown positive results for curcumin supplementation in improving diabetic markers and aiding weight management.
• For Example: A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that overweight adults taking curcumin experienced reduced body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference compared to a placebo group.
• Important Note: Most studies use curcumin extracts, not just culinary turmeric powder. The curcumin content in turmeric is only about 3% by weight, and its absorption by the body is poor on its own.

4. The “Especially for Women” Angle (Connecting to Your Previous Question)

While not exclusively for women, the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin could be particularly relevant. If COVID-19 accelerates vascular aging more in women, as discussed previously, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent like curcumin could theoretically offer a two-fold benefit: aiding in metabolic health and potentially mitigating some of that vascular damage. However, this specific connection is hypothetical and requires direct research.

Important Caveats and Practical Advice:

1. Not a Magic Bullet: Turmeric/curcumin is a supplement to a healthy diet and exercise, not a replacement. Weight control in diabetes will always rely primarily on a calorie-controlled diet and physical activity.
2. Bioavailability is Key: Curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. To see any potential benefit, you need to either:
   • Use a formulated supplement that includes bioavailability enhancers like piperine (from black pepper) or phospholipids.
   • Combine turmeric with black pepper and a healthy fat (like coconut oil or olive oil) when cooking to enhance absorption.
3. Consult Your Doctor First: This is crucial. Curcumin can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (like warfarin) and diabetes drugs, potentially amplifying their effects and leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or increased bleeding risk.
4. Dosage: Most studies use doses of 500 – 1,000 mg of curcumin per day. It’s impossible to get this amount from dietary turmeric alone.

In conclusion, while turmeric (specifically its compound curcumin) shows significant scientific promise as a supportive tool for better metabolic health and weight control in type 2 diabetes, it should be approached with realistic expectations and medical guidance. It is an area of exciting potential, but more research is always needed.

Reference:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250818/Can-turmericcurcumin-help-with-weight-control-in-diabetes.aspx

https://www.eatingwell.com/turmeric-weight-loss-study-11793859

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3857752

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/for-better-weight-control-in-diabetes-turmeric-may-be-the-answer

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

A growing body of research suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly called “forever chemicals”—may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). These synthetic chemicals, found in many consumer and industrial products, persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body, potentially disrupting metabolic processes.

Key Findings on PFAS and Diabetes Risk

1. Endocrine Disruption & Insulin Resistance
   • PFAS can interfere with hormonal regulation, including insulin signaling.
   • Studies show they may impair glucose metabolism, contributing to insulin resistance.
2. Epidemiological Evidence
   • A 2022 study in Diabetologia found that higher PFAS levels in blood were associated with a greater risk of T2D, especially in women.
   • The NIH’s Nurses’ Health Study observed that certain PFAS (like PFOS and PFOA) were linked to higher fasting glucose levels.
3. Mechanisms of Action
   • Fat cell dysfunction: PFAS may alter fat storage and release, worsening metabolic health.
   • Liver toxicity: Some PFAS compounds promote fatty liver disease, a diabetes risk factor.
   • Gut microbiome disruption: Emerging research suggests PFAS may alter gut bacteria linked to glucose control.

Common Sources of PFAS Exposure

• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
• Water-resistant fabrics (raincoats, carpets)
• Food packaging (grease-resistant paper, fast-food containers)
• Contaminated water (near industrial sites, military bases)
• Cosmetics & personal care products (waterproof mascara, dental floss)

How to Reduce Exposure & Lower Diabetes Risk

Filter drinking water (activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters remove PFAS).
Avoid non-stick pans (use stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic instead).
Limit fast food & microwave popcorn (PFAS coatings in packaging).
Check labels for “PTFE” or “fluoro” ingredients in cosmetics.
Support policies banning non-essential PFAS use (some U.S. states & EU are taking action).

While more research is needed, evidence suggests that PFAS exposure may be a modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Reducing exposure, alongside healthy diet and exercise, could help mitigate risk.

Reference:

https://www.ajmc.com/view/pfas-exposure-linked-to-increased-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-study-finds

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exposure-pfas-forever-chemicals-linked-increased-type-2-diabetes-risk

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935123003171

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

Yes, eating late in the evening—especially close to bedtime—can make blood sugar control more challenging for several reasons:

1. Reduced Insulin Sensitivity at Night

• The body’s insulin sensitivity tends to decrease in the evening, meaning it may not process glucose as efficiently as it does earlier in the day.
• Studies suggest that eating later can lead to higher post-meal blood sugar spikes compared to eating the same meal earlier.

2. Disruption of Circadian Rhythms

• The body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) influences metabolism, including insulin secretion and glucose processing.
• Eating late may misalign with natural metabolic cycles, leading to poorer blood sugar regulation.

3. Increased Risk of Overnight High Blood Sugar

• Consuming carbohydrates or large meals late can keep blood sugar elevated overnight, which may lead to higher fasting blood sugar the next morning (a phenomenon known as the “dawn effect” in some cases).

4. Potential Weight Gain & Insulin Resistance

• Late-night eating has been linked to weight gain, which can further worsen insulin resistance over time.
• Snacking on high-carb or sugary foods at night can contribute to long-term metabolic issues.

Tips for Better Blood Sugar Control at Night:

Finish meals earlier – Aim to eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Choose balanced meals – Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats to slow glucose absorption.
Avoid high-glycemic snacks – If hungry, opt for nuts, Greek yogurt, or veggies instead of sweets or refined carbs.
Monitor blood sugar – If diabetic or prediabetic, checking levels before bed can help adjust habits.

Reference:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/eating-a-late-dinner-can-spike-your-blood-sugar

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes/faq-20058372

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-late-in-the-evening-could-make-blood-sugar-control-harder-for-the-body

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5634913

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

Yes! Research shows that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (about 30 minutes, 5 days a week) can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and help reverse prediabetes. Here’s how it works:

How Exercise Helps Reverse Prediabetes:

1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity – Exercise helps muscles use glucose more effectively, lowering blood sugar levels.
2. Reduces Belly Fat – Visceral fat (around organs) contributes to insulin resistance; exercise helps burn it.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar – Physical activity helps clear excess glucose from the bloodstream.
4. Boosts Metabolism – Regular exercise supports weight management, a key factor in preventing Type 2 diabetes.

Best Types of Exercise for Prediabetes:

• Aerobic Exercise (Brisk walking, cycling, swimming) – Helps burn glucose and improve heart health.
• Strength Training (Weight lifting, resistance bands) – Builds muscle, which absorbs more glucose.
• HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) – Short bursts of intense exercise can improve insulin sensitivity quickly.

Additional Tips to Reverse Prediabetes:

• Combine exercise with a healthy diet (low in refined carbs, high in fiber & protein).
• Lose 5-7% of body weight if overweight—this can cut diabetes risk by 58%.
• Monitor blood sugar levels to track progress.
• Reduce sedentary time (take short walks after meals).

150 minutes of exercise per week is a powerful tool to reverse prediabetes, especially when combined with dietary changes. If you’re just starting, even 10-minute sessions throughout the day can make a difference. Always consult a doctor before beginning a new fitness plan.

Reference:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250629/Just-150-minutes-of-exercise-a-week-could-reverse-prediabetes.aspx

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150-minutes-of-exercise-per-week-could-help-reverse-prediabetes

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/just-150-minutes-of-exercise-a-week-could-reverse-prediabetes/articleshow/122154898.cms

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

Yes! Emerging research suggests that avoiding diet soda and choosing water may support diabetes remission or better blood sugar control. Here’s why:

1. Diet Soda & Metabolic Risks

• Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose) in diet soda may:
  • Disrupt gut microbiota, linked to insulin resistance (Nature, 2014).
  • Trigger cravings for sweet/high-calorie foods, worsening metabolic health.
  • Some studies associate diet soda with higher type 2 diabetes risk (Diabetes Care, 2009), though causation isn’t fully proven.

2. Water’s Benefits for Diabetes Remission

• Hydration improves insulin sensitivity—even mild dehydration can raise blood sugar.
• Replacing sugary drinks (and diet soda) with water reduces calorie intake and supports weight loss, a key factor in remission (DiRECT trial, 2018).
• Sparkling/mineral water (unsweetened) is a safe alternative if craving fizz.

3. What Works Best for Remission?

• Low-carb/keto diets and intermittent fasting often lead to remission by lowering insulin resistance.
• Whole foods (fiber, healthy fats) stabilize blood sugar better than artificial sweeteners.
• Exercise further enhances insulin sensitivity.

If you’re used to diet soda, try infused water (e.g., lemon/cucumber) or herbal teas to transition. Cutting out sweeteners may help reset taste buds and reduce sugar cravings over time.

Reference:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/ditching-diet-soda-tied-to-weight-loss-and-higher-chance-of-diabetes-remission

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/to-achieve-diabetes-remission-avoid-diet-soda-and-opt-for-water

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/water-instead-of-diet-drinks-associated-with-two-fold-rate-of-diabetes-remission-in-women-302486589.html

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/switch-water-diet-sodas-may-boost-diabetes-remission-2025a1000gkq

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes

Yes! Recent research suggests that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)—a short-term, low-calorie, low-protein, high-fat dietary intervention designed to mimic the effects of fasting—may help improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) while minimizing risks associated with prolonged fasting.

Key Findings on FMD & Blood Sugar Control:

1. Reduces Insulin Resistance & Improves Glycemic Markers
   • Studies show that cyclical FMD (e.g., 5-day monthly cycles) can lower fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
   • May promote beta-cell regeneration and pancreatic reprogramming, enhancing insulin sensitivity.
2. Promotes Metabolic Switching to Ketosis
   • By restricting calories (~800-1,100 kcal/day) and carbohydrates, FMD induces ketosis, forcing the body to burn fat and ketones instead of glucose.
   • This metabolic shift may reduce glucose toxicity and improve mitochondrial function.
3. Supports Weight Loss & Visceral Fat Reduction
   • FMD cycles lead to moderate weight loss, particularly in visceral fat, which is strongly linked to insulin resistance.
   • Unlike crash diets, FMD appears sustainable when done intermittently (e.g., once a month).
4. Potential for Reducing Diabetes Medication Dependence
   • Some trials report that T2D patients on FMD needed lower doses of insulin or oral hypoglycemics after multiple cycles.
   • Caution is needed to avoid hypoglycemia, especially in those on glucose-lowering drugs.

How FMD Works in Diabetes:

• Day 1-5 (FMD Phase):
  • Very low calories (~34-54% of normal intake), low protein, high healthy fats (nuts, olive oil).
  • Triggers autophagy (cellular cleanup) and stem cell activation, which may repair pancreatic function.
• Post-FMD (Refeeding Phase):
  • Gradual reintroduction of normal eating helps reset metabolism without rapid glucose spikes.

Clinical Evidence:

• A 2023 study in Diabetes Care found that 3 monthly FMD cycles improved HbA1c by ~0.5–1.2% in prediabetics and early T2D patients.
• Animal studies show FMD can reverse insulin resistance and restore beta-cell function.

Safety & Considerations:

• Not for everyone: Avoid in advanced diabetes, pregnancy, or eating disorders.
• Medical supervision needed: Especially for those on insulin or sulfonylureas (risk of hypoglycemia).
• Combination with lifestyle changes: Works best alongside exercise and a Mediterranean/low-glycemic diet.

FMD is a promising non-pharmacological tool for managing T2D by resetting metabolism, but it requires careful implementation. Future studies will clarify long-term benefits and optimal protocols.

Reference:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/a-fasting-mimicking-diet-may-improve-blood-sugar-control-in-type-2-diabetes

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38546821

https://www.annfammed.org/content/21/Supplement_3/5005

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/diabetes