Understanding the Preference for Low-Carb Diets Among UK Diabetics
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As a professional in public health, I've witnessed firsthand the severe toll type II diabetes takes on individuals and communities. It's disheartening to see friends suffer through amputations, vision loss, and even early mortality because of this chronic illness.
The escalation of type II diabetes into serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and specific cancers is alarming.
Motivated by a compelling statement from Dr. David Unwin, I decided to write this article to highlight this pressing concern.
Here's a brief overview of his credentials.
Recently, Dr. Unwin shared a tweet on the X platform that has garnered over 8,000 views.
This tweet included a link to his practical and insightful research article published in the BMJ in 2023. Below, I summarize the key findings from the paper I reviewed last year, which offers valuable insights for type II diabetes patients.
Overview of the Study: "What Predicts Drug-Free Type 2 Diabetes Remission?"
Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been viewed as a progressive condition, necessitating an increasing reliance on medications. However, recent findings suggest that sustained remission is achievable, even if it is not yet standard practice.
My mentor, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, strongly advocates for the belief that type II diabetes can be reversed.
Since 2013, Norwood Surgery has been implementing a low-carbohydrate diet program aimed at achieving remission. Between 2013 and 2021, a suburban medical practice with nearly 9,800 patients regularly recommended a low-carb diet and weight loss strategies to those diagnosed with type II diabetes.
This guidance was delivered through routine consultations, group sessions, and personal outreach. Patients participating in the program were monitored to assess their health progress over time.
> Of the patients with type 2 diabetes, 186 opted for the low-carb strategy, accounting for 39% of the diabetes register. Over an average duration of 33 months: > > - The median weight reduced from 97 kg to 86 kg, with an average weight loss of 10 kg. > - Median HbA1c levels, an indicator of blood sugar control, fell from 63 to 46 mmol/mol. > - 77% of participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for less than a year achieved remission, contrasted with 20% for those diagnosed for over 15 years. Overall, 51% of participants reached remission. > - Average LDL cholesterol decreased by 0.5 mmol/L, triglycerides by 0.9 mmol/L, and systolic blood pressure by 12 mm Hg. > - The practice experienced significant cost savings on diabetes medications, spending £4.94 per patient annually compared to £11.30 at other local practices, totaling a savings of £68,353 in the year ending January 2022.
Conclusions and Key Insights
This study presents a practical approach within primary care to attain remission for type II diabetes through a low-carbohydrate diet. The method yielded substantial weight loss and health improvements, with 20% of the practice's type 2 diabetes cohort achieving remission.
Timely intervention, particularly within the first year following diagnosis, is essential for maximizing remission potential. Even those who did not fully achieve remission still experienced notable enhancements in their diabetes management.
Like Dr. Yildiz, I am convinced that type II diabetes can be both prevented and reversed. I encourage you to read his story, which offers further insights.
- A low-carbohydrate diet can lead to substantial weight loss and health benefits for type 2 diabetes patients.
- Early intervention is vital for remission success.
- This dietary approach can result in significant savings on diabetes medications.
- Noticeable health improvements are achievable, even for those who do not attain complete remission.
If you are unfamiliar with low-carb diets, I recommend exploring these two articles by Dr. Yildiz, which provide extensive scientific backing that may inform and motivate you.
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<h2>A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.</h2>
<div><h3>4 reasons why a low-carb diet might produce better results than a high-carb diet for metabolically disadvantaged…</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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<h2>Insights from a New Clinical Study Showing a Ketogenic Diet That Improved Bipolar & Schizophrenia</h2>
<div><h3>Summary of a pilot study (clinical trial NCT03935854) by Stanford University on humans for metabolic psychiatry giving…</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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To enhance your health further, consider incorporating intermittent or periodic fasting into your regimen. These practices complement low-carb, high-fat diets effectively. I have embraced this approach and find great satisfaction with it, even as I navigate my mid-70s.
Scientific Insights on Health Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating
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<h2>The True Science Behind the Health Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating, Including 23 Quality…</h2>
<div><h3>A 2024 meta-analysis (umbrella review) in the Lancet shows the nuances and value of intermittent fasting for health and…</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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<h2>Perfect Storm in a Teacup: Can Intermittent Fasting Increase Heart Disease Risk by 91%?</h2>
<div><h3>Insights from the dissemination of a poster presentation of a non-peer-reviewed/unpublished manuscript, which turned…</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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<h2>Remarkable Health Benefits of Long-Term Fasting</h2>
<div><h3>Here’s why I fast for ten days at the end of each year.</h3></div>
<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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I appreciate you taking the time to read my brief article, and I welcome your thoughts on this significant health topic.
About Me
I am a retired healthcare scientist in my mid-70s, and I have several grandchildren who inspire me to write on this platform. I also serve as the chief editor for the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a way to give back, I volunteer as an editor for Illumination publications, assisting many emerging writers. I would be delighted to read, publish, and promote your stories. You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share articles I find interesting. Feel free to subscribe to my account to receive updates on my posts.
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<h2>Lessons Learned from My Personal Stories</h2>
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<div><p>medium.com</p></div>
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