Diabetes
A metabolic epidemic. Diabetes affects over 500 million people worldwide. Type 2 diabetes (90-95% of cases) develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing blood sugar to rise dangerously. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 is largely preventable and often reversible through diet and lifestyle changes.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 (5-10%)
Autoimmune destruction of beta cells. No insulin production. Requires insulin injection. Often childhood onset.
Type 2 (90-95%)
Insulin resistance. Cells don't respond to insulin. Body makes more insulin until it can't keep up. Lifestyle-driven.
Gestational
Develops during pregnancy. Placental hormones cause resistance. Usually resolves after birth. Increases Type 2 risk later.
How Type 2 Develops
Why Blood Sugar Matters
Heart Disease
2-4x higher risk. High blood sugar damages blood vessels. #1 cause of death in diabetics.
Neuropathy
Nerve damage. Starts with tingling feet. Can become numbness, pain, or loss of sensation.
Kidney Disease
Nephropathy. High sugar damages kidney filters. Can progress to dialysis.
Eye Damage
Retinopathy. Leading cause of blindness. Blood vessel damage in retina.
Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer's called "Type 3 diabetes." Brain insulin resistance. Memory issues.
Slow Healing
Poor circulation, immune dysfunction. Wounds don't heal. Infection risk.
Type 2 Reversal Approaches
Low Carb/Keto
Reduce carbs dramatically. Body needs less insulin. Many achieve remission.
Intermittent Fasting
Give insulin time to drop. Improve sensitivity. Time-restricted eating helps.
Exercise
Muscles use glucose without insulin. Both cardio and resistance training help.
Lose Visceral Fat
Belly fat drives resistance. Even modest weight loss improves blood sugar dramatically.
Key Nutrients
Magnesium, chromium, berberine, alpha-lipoic acid. Support insulin sensitivity.
Monitor Glucose
CGM shows real-time response. Learn what spikes YOUR blood sugar. Personalize diet.