Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health problems worldwide, and now occurs across many age groups, not just in older people.
In modern society, unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, chronic stress, poor sleep, obesity and sedentary lifestyles are leading to a new generation of younger people getting diagnosed and treated with this chronic disease.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, which is a hormone that helps transport sugar from the bloodstream into cells for use as energy.
As the body becomes more and more resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels rise, and eventually, the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin for the body’s needs.
However, diabetes is much more than a matter of abnormal blood sugar levels.
Over time, it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels, leading to grave long-term issues if left unmanaged.
Fatigue, low energy, weight gain and inattention are common, and quality of life generally declines.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is directly linked to lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition and obesity, lack of physical activity, stress, and little sleep.
Genetics may contribute to the risk of developing this disease, but lifestyle still remains the largest contributor.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Persistent fatigue and sluggish energy
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight gain, specifically around the abdomen
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Frequent infections
- Increased hunger
- Lack of concentration or “brain fog”.
Diabetes crisis
According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 537 million adults worldwide had diabetes in 2021.
That number continues to climb.
The frequency of type 2 diabetes in Malaysia itself is among the highest in South-East Asia, surpassing one in five adults.
Modern living with processed foods and sweet drinks, high levels of stress, long hours at work and physical inactivity are major risk contributors to the development of this problem.
Excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, fried foods and processed foods in particular give rise to insulin resistance and obesity.
Diabetes affects not just individuals and families, but also the healthcare system and national economy due to long-term medical expenditures and multiple potential complications that can be difficult to manage.
Can it be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes that is diagnosed in an earlier stage can potentially be reversed back to normal, or at least the pre-diabetic stage.
Reversal is considered to have occurred when the patient’s blood sugar level falls with less medication or with less reliance on the drug used.
This would necessitate lifelong health-modifying lifestyle options that involve insulin sensitivity and metabolism.
Weight reduction, good nutrition, regular exercise, stress control and good sleep habits will all lead to better blood sugar control.
Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of diabetes, rather than simply treating high blood sugar.
It considers factors such as:
- Poor diet
- Chronic inflammation
- Excess body fat
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gut health issues
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Physical inactivity.
Every individual is different so treatment must be tailored to their health history, lifestyle and metabolic needs.
Diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Reducing sugary drinks, desserts, white bread, pastries and processed foods also reduces blood sugar spikes, as well as increases insulin sensitivity.
Getting more fibre from leafy vegetables, legumes, oats, nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds and lesser- sugar fruits helps slow the absorption of sugar, and spurs digestion and weight loss.
Some healthier fats, including olive oil and avocados, as well as nuts, seeds and fatty fish, can help regulate inflammation and restore hormone balance.
Enough protein from fish, eggs, chicken, tofu, tempeh and legumes helps to control blood sugar and preserve muscle mass.
Certain functional foods may also support metabolic health.
Cinnamon and bitter melon have long been known to help in blood sugar control.
Probiotics and fermented foods are also thought to be beneficial to the health of the gut and metabolism.
Magnesium and vitamin D are common mineral deficiencies in diabetes, which may require medical management and supplementation.
Exercise, stress and sleep
Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity and general well-being.
Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, resistance training and an hour of yoga can help control blood sugar levels, as well as enable weight management.
Small amounts of daily activity leads to long-term advantages.
Stress is a factor to be aware of because chronic stress can increase the amount of cortisol that is needed to keep glucose under control, potentially contributing to insulin resistance.
Meditation, deep breathing, traditional yoga practices, prayer, mindfulness and pursuing outdoor activities could be critical pieces of that puzzle of emotional and metabolic health maintenance.
Sleep quality is crucial because poor sleep can influence hormones that regulate hunger, insulin sensitivity and blood sugar.
Good sleep for many adults must be seven to nine hours a night.
Functional medicine also involves supplementary nutritional counselling, acupuncture, herbal care, health coaching and stress relief programmes.
These treatments are intended to complement, not replace, conventional medical care.
With the right support
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that is frequently preventable.
While medical treatments can help manage blood sugar levels, overall improvement occurs largely by treating the contributing factors to this chronic disease.
This includes eating healthier food, doing regular physical exercise, practising stress relief methods, getting good quality sleep and phasing out less healthy lifestyle habits over time.
Functional medicine offers a more personalised and holistic approach by looking at the whole person, rather than focusing only on the disease.
With the right support and commitment, people have the option to make an actual change if they are given the right kind of treatment and follow-up.
If they are given this type of support, many people will improve their health and prevent the many complications of diabetes.
In some cases, they may even manage to reverse their type 2 diabetes and regain a better quality of life.
Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
