World Blog by humble servant.65 years ago diabetes wasn't an issue and doctor hardly seen it in there careers

65 years ago diabetes wasn't an issue and doctor hardly seen it in there careers

Sixty-five years ago, in 1959, the prevalence of diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, was significantly lower compared to today. Historical data suggests that the incidence of diabetes was below 1% of the population in the 1950s. Doctors during that era were less likely to encounter diabetes in their practice due to several factors:

Lower Rates of Obesity: Obesity rates were much lower, which correlates with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle and dietary habits were different, with less consumption of processed foods and sugars.

Limited Diagnostic Tools: Diagnostic capabilities were not as advanced; blood glucose monitoring and other diagnostic tools were not as widespread or precise as they are now. Therefore, cases might have been underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Shorter Life Expectancy: People generally had a shorter lifespan, and thus, the chronic nature of diabetes might not have been as observable since individuals might not have lived long enough to develop or manifest diabetes-related complications.

Lack of Insulin Therapy: Before the widespread availability and use of insulin, type 1 diabetes was often fatal shortly after diagnosis, further reducing the number of known diabetes cases.

Different Dietary Patterns: Diets were typically less rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, potentially leading to lower rates of diabetes onset.

While diabetes was not as prevalent, it was not entirely absent. However, the medical community's recognition and management of diabetes have evolved dramatically since then, leading to increased diagnosis rates as tools improved and awareness grew.

Today diabetes is treated with pills instead of lifestyle change which can reverse the disease

Today, diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is managed through a combination of treatments, including both lifestyle changes and medication. Here's how the landscape looks:

Lifestyle Changes:

Diet and Exercise: There is substantial evidence suggesting that lifestyle modifications can manage or even reverse type 2 diabetes. A diet low in processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats, coupled with regular physical activity, can lead to significant improvements in blood glucose control. Studies, including those from the Diabetes Prevention Program, have shown that lifestyle interventions can reduce the incidence of diabetes significantly, with some participants even achieving remission from the disease.

Weight Loss: For many, losing weight through lifestyle changes is key to managing diabetes. Significant weight reduction has been linked to remission of type 2 diabetes in some cases.

Medication (Pills and Insulin):

Oral Medications: Medications like metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, and others are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes. These work by different mechanisms such as increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing liver glucose production, or helping in glucose excretion through the kidneys. However, these are generally used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, not as standalone treatments.

Insulin: For some, when oral medications or lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, insulin therapy may be necessary to manage blood sugar levels. This does not mean lifestyle changes are abandoned; they are still recommended even when insulin is introduced.

Current Practice:

The approach to treating diabetes has evolved to recognize the importance of both lifestyle changes and medications. The idea that diabetes is treated with pills "instead of" lifestyle change is somewhat misleading. Modern treatment protocols emphasize lifestyle as the first line of defense, with medications used to complement these efforts when necessary. 

The narrative from social media and some studies highlights that lifestyle changes can be as effective or even more so than medications in some scenarios, particularly for prevention and early management. However, adherence to lifestyle changes can be challenging, which is why medications are often necessary to support patients in managing their condition effectively.

It's also noted that for some individuals, due to the progression of the disease, lifestyle changes alone might not suffice, and medication becomes essential to maintain health.

In conclusion, while lifestyle changes hold significant potential for managing and reversing type 2 diabetes, the reality of treatment today involves a tailored approach that often includes both lifestyle modifications and medications, based on the individual's health status, progression of diabetes, and response to treatment.

Understanding your glucose spike and how the eat food .Proteins ,fibers,then sugar and starches decrease spike by 40-70%

Answer

Understanding how different foods impact your blood glucose levels can significantly help in managing diabetes or preventing glucose spikes. Here's how the sequencing and types of food you consume can affect your glucose response:

Proteins: Consuming proteins before carbohydrates can mitigate glucose spikes. Proteins slow down the digestion process, which in turn slows the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more gradual rises in blood sugar. Foods like meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy are excellent protein sources.

Fibers: Fiber is crucial because it not only slows down the digestion of food but also delays the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Soluble fiber, found in foods like oats, legumes, vegetables, and fruits with skins, forms a gel-like substance in the gut, which helps in regulating blood sugar. Eating fiber-rich foods before or with your meal can help reduce blood sugar spikes.

Sugars and Starches: Simple sugars and refined starches lead to quick spikes in blood glucose because they are rapidly broken down into glucose. However, if you consume them after eating proteins and fibers, the blood sugar response can be significantly blunted.

The Sequence Effect:

Studies have shown that changing the order of food consumption can decrease the post-meal glucose spike by 40-70%. The principle is to eat foods in this sequence:

Vegetables (high in fiber) - Start with veggies or a salad to get the fiber in first.

Proteins - Follow with proteins which will further slow digestion.

Carbohydrates (especially sugars and starches) - End with the carbs to minimize the impact on blood sugar.

Practical Application:

Meal Composition: Ensure your meals have a good balance of all macronutrients, but prioritize the intake order for better glucose management.

Snacking: Even for snacks, this order can be beneficial. For example, eating nuts or cheese before a piece of fruit can help manage the glucose response from the fruit.

Awareness of Food Quality: Not all carbs are equal; whole grains, for instance, have more fiber and lead to slower digestion compared to refined grains.

This approach not only helps in managing diabetes but can also be beneficial for anyone looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels, reduce hunger spikes, and potentially aid in weight management. However, individual responses can vary, so it's often useful to monitor blood glucose responses if possible, to tailor this method to personal needs.