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Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes with SOZA’s Nutritional Program

In the U.S., nearly half of the adult population is affected by type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells fail to respond to insulin properly, accumulating glucose (sugar) in the blood instead of being used as energy. Elevated blood sugar levels can result in a myriad of health problems and, if left unchecked, can develop into type 2 diabetes.

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Type 2 diabetes is often viewed as a progressive disease, worsening over time. However, numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

What is Diabetes Reversal?

Diabetes reversal refers to the process where a patient's blood sugar levels return to normal ranges, allowing them to discontinue diabetes-specific medications (excluding metformin) under their doctor's supervision. At SOZA, we define diabetes reversal as achieving an A1c below 6.5% without the need for drugs other than metformin, which is often used for reasons beyond blood sugar control.

 

This state of reversal indicates that the individual's body is managing blood sugar levels effectively through lifestyle and dietary changes, particularly by adhering to a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, Mediterranean-style diet. However, maintaining this reversal requires ongoing commitment to these healthy habits to prevent the reemergence of high blood sugar levels.

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Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes 

Understanding A1c

A1c is a measurement of average blood glucose levels over the past three months. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when A1c levels are 6.5% or greater. It is one of the key indicators used to diagnose and manage diabetes.

How Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Reversed

Three primary treatments have been shown to reverse type 2 diabetes:

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, or metabolic surgery, can sometimes reverse type 2 diabetes but is expensive, may have significant side effects, and often loses its effectiveness after a few years. Due to its invasive nature, it is not typically the first line of treatment for reversing diabetes.

Very Low-Calorie Diets

Very low-calorie diets, also known as semi-starvation diets, can lead to rapid weight loss and diabetes reversal. However, these diets are challenging to maintain long-term, and weight regain is common once the diet ends. These diets are usually medically supervised and involve consuming less than 800 calories per day.

Very Low-Carbohydrate Diets

A very low-carbohydrate diet is another effective treatment. Carbohydrate restriction, especially through well-formulated ketogenic diets, can quickly lower blood sugar levels, reduce reliance on diabetes medications, promote weight loss, and decrease hunger. Many of these benefits are sustainable, making very low-carbohydrate diets a practical option for long-term diabetes management.

Reversal vs. Remission vs. Cure

The terms “reversal” and “cure” are often confused. While type 2 diabetes can be reversed, it is not considered cured because the condition can return if long-term lifestyle changes are not maintained. Remission is another term used interchangeably with reversal, referring to when blood sugar levels return to sub-diabetes levels and remain there for more than three months without diabetes medications.

Natural Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can be reversed naturally through diet and lifestyle changes without the need for medications or surgery. One of the most effective dietary patterns for reducing A1c and medication dependence is carbohydrate restriction. While diabetes reversal may not be possible for everyone, particularly those with long-standing diabetes, even partial adherence to these methods can lead to significant health improvements, including weight loss, better cardiovascular health, and increased control over eating.

The Role of Nutritional Ketosis

Nutritional ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses fat and ketones rather than carbohydrates as its primary fuel source, is highly effective in managing and reversing type 2 diabetes. In nutritional ketosis, the liver produces ketones from fat, which serve as an efficient energy source for the brain, heart, and muscles. Ketones also help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to type 2 diabetes.

Why Nutritional Ketosis Works

Nutritional ketosis works well for reversing type 2 diabetes because it directly addresses the underlying issues of high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation. By maintaining a state of ketosis through a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, Mediterranean-style diet, individuals can significantly improve their blood sugar control, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammatory markers.

The SOZA Approach to Diabetes Reversal

At SOZA, our nutritional program is designed to naturally support the reversal of type 2 diabetes. Our program emphasizes:

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  • Low-Carbohydrate Intake: Reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 50g per day to achieve and maintain nutritional ketosis.

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  • High-Protein and Mediterranean-Style Diet: Incorporating protein-rich foods and healthy fats, typical of a Mediterranean diet, to promote sustained energy and metabolic health.

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  • Natural Supplements: Utilizing natural supplements to support overall health and well-being during the dietary transition.

The Safety of Diabetes Reversal

Diabetes reversal should always be pursued under medical supervision. As blood sugar levels normalize, the need for diabetes medications may decrease, necessitating careful adjustment of medications such as insulin and sulfonylureas. Blood pressure improvements may also require adjustments to blood pressure medications. Continuous medical monitoring ensures safe and effective management of these changes.

Sustaining Diabetes Reversal

Long-term sustainability of diabetes reversal hinges on maintaining the dietary and lifestyle changes that led to the initial success. The traditional model of infrequent medical visits can make sustained diabetes reversal challenging. However, modern telehealth solutions offer continuous support, making it easier to adhere to lifestyle changes and maintain health improvements.

Conclusion

While type 2 diabetes is often considered a chronic condition, it is possible for many individuals to reverse the progression of the disease with the right treatment and support. SOZA’s nutritional program, grounded in a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, Mediterranean-style diet, provides a natural and effective approach to diabetes reversal. With proper medical supervision and ongoing support, achieving and maintaining diabetes reversal is a realistic and attainable goal for many.

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For more information on how SOZA’s program can support diabetes reversal, visit our blog on Nutritional Ketosis and Diabetes Management.

*Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by the SOZA Weightloss® program, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material, is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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The SOZA Weightloss® program and its products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary, and the results achieved through the program may not be typical. Weight loss and health improvement results are influenced by many factors, including but not limited to starting weight, adherence to the program, diet, exercise, lifestyle, and metabolic rate.

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Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read, heard, or seen related to the SOZA Weightloss® program. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

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Before starting any weight loss or exercise program, consult a healthcare professional. The SOZA Weightloss® program is designed for healthy adults and may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with any underlying medical conditions should only participate in the program under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

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The use of any information provided by the SOZA Weightloss® program is solely at your own risk. The program’s creators and affiliates make no guarantees about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the website, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.

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By participating in the SOZA Weightloss® program, you acknowledge that you are aware of and accept these risks. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify SOZA Weight Loss, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or injuries you may incur from participating in the program. 

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Diabetes Reversal Disclaimer

By "reversal," we refer to the process of returning glucose levels to below that diagnostic of diabetes without the use of diabetes-specific medications other than metformin. Our approach combines the benefits of a low-carb, high-protein Mediterranean-style diet, natural supplements, and comprehensive support to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. This holistic strategy aims to lower blood sugar levels and support sustainable health improvements. However, diabetes management and potential reversal should always be conducted under medical supervision, as individual results may vary. To read more about diabetes reversal, please read more on this here. 

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Commitment to Accuracy and Support

At SOZA Weightloss®, we are committed to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information. For over 10 years, we have been dedicated to helping people achieve their weight loss and health goals through our innovative and supportive programs. While this disclaimer is necessary, please know that we strive to provide the best information and support possible, always with your well-being in mind.

Clinical Studies

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  1. National Diabetes Statistics Report: Estimates of Diabetes and Its Burden in the United States. Accessed at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html.

  2. Riddle MC, Cefalu WT, Evans PH et al. Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 1 October 2021; 44 (10): 2438–2444. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci21-0034.

  3. Robert M, Ferrand-Gaillard C, Disse E, et al. Predictive factors of type 2 diabetes remission 1 year after bariatric surgery: impact of surgical techniques. Obes Surg. 2013 Jun;23(6):770-5. doi: 10.1007/s11695-013-0868-4. PMID: 23355293.

  4. Courcoulas AP, Gallagher JW, Neiberg RH, et al. Bariatric Surgery vs Lifestyle Intervention for Diabetes Treatment: 5-Year Outcomes From a Randomized Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Mar 1;105(3):866–76. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa006. PMID: 31917447; PMCID: PMC7032894.

  5. Lean ME, Leslie WS, Barnes AC, Brosnahan N, et al. Durability of a primary care-led weight-management intervention for remission of type 2 diabetes: 2-year results of the DiRECT open-label, cluster-randomised trial. Lancet 2019 May 01.https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30068-3

  6. Gregg EW, Chen H, Wagenknecht LE, et al. Association of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention With Remission of Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA. 2012;308(23):2489–2496. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.67929.

  7. McKenzie AL, Hallberg SJ, Creighton BC, et al. A Novel Intervention Including Individualized Nutritional Recommendations Reduces Hemoglobin A1c Level, Medication Use, and Weight in Type 2 Diabetes. JMIR Diabetes. 2017 Mar 7;2(1):e5. doi: 10.2196/diabetes.6981. PMID: 30291062; PMCID: PMC6238887.

  8. Athinarayanan SJ, Adams RN, Hallberg SJ, et al. Long-Term Effects of a Novel Continuous Remote Care Intervention Including Nutritional Ketosis for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-year Non-randomized Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2019; 10:348. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00348.

  9. Boden G, Sargrad K, Homko C, et al. Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2005. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-142-6-200503150-00006

  10. Volk BM, McKenzie AL, Athinarayanan SJ, et al. A Population Shift in Meeting Glycemic Targets Following Five Years of a Very-Low-Carbohydrate Intervention (VLCI) and Continuous Remote Care (CRC) . Diabetes 1 June 2022; 71 (Supplement_1): 1176–P. https://doi.org/10.2337/db22-1176-P.

  11. Evert AB, Dennison M, Gardner CD, et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care 1 May 2019; 42 (5): 731–754. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci19-0014.

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