Dull as it may sound – and you may have heard this from me before in relation to other conditions – but the incontestable fact is that the responsible Doctor must first prescribe a satisfactory diet and suitable exercise routine. This is especially true for Type 2 Diabetes patients.

In my experience this form of diabetes is fantastically responsive to such simple corrections and any physician who does not “have a good chat” with his/her patient about the essential importance of losing 5-10% bodyweight and engaging in regular exercise is failing the patient. It makes no sense whatsoever to simply provide medications - conventional or otherwise - to address the problem when it is unambiguously a lifestyle disease and thus a change in lifestyle is the logical solution.

Indeed, research has shown repeatedly that the common medications used do not in fact reduce the long-term morbid outcomes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes – i.e. the medications may control the blood sugar and insulin resistance but they do not prevent progression to Diabetes or the attendant cardiovascular sequelae (study published in the New England Journal of Medicine).

I can confidently say that I have not had a patient who fails to entirely rectify this problem when they absorb the message and make the necessary changes to their eating habits and lifestyle.

Nutritional support for Type 2 Diabetes

I will almost always provide nutritional support in the form of various excellent medicinal foods (such as the Ultrameal Range from Metagenics), EPA/DHA and a chromium supplement. Where necessary for day to day blood sugar support 10g of almonds (per day) and cinnamon (there are various options on the shelf in the pharmacy) usually suffice for moderate cases.

Exercise for effective Type 2 Diabetes management

Exercise does not have to be exhaustive but it MUST be exhausting! The ideal is to engage in Interval Training of one form or another - short bursts of intense exercise. Researchers at the University of Glasgow showed that only 6 minutes of intense exercise a week could drop Insulin levels (in insulin resistant - i.e. pre-diabetic - subjects) by an average of 25%...with no change in diet at all!

Having said that, I look forward to seeing all of you who feel it is time to address your Type 2 Diabetes sensibly or who are concerned that you may be at risk of developing the condition. For assistance on your diabetes management journey, contact us today.

Dr Bruce Thomson