09/10/2026
⚕️It’s WELLNESS WEDNESDAY! (Ok it’s Thursday, but with Labor Day I got off a day, SORRY!)
✨REMINDER —If there is a topic you would like me to discuss in coming weeks, please comment or send me a PM!
🗓️THIS WEEK: “Type 2 Diabetes”
⚕️WHAT IS IT?:
—A medical disorder where sugar builds up in the blood because there is not enough insulin being created by the beta-cells of the pancreas - however there is still some insulin made by the pancreas (unlike Type 1 Diabetes where no insulin is made)
🧑🧑🧒🧒 PREVALENCE:
—VERY COMMON - about 6% of the general population. Typically begins in middle-age, but can begin sooner or later.
🩺DIAGNOSIS:
—From a practitioner, based on an a1c laboratory test >=6.5% (Not necessary in most cases, but if concerned about Type 1, an Insulin and C-Peptide level can also be checked - these levels will be high in Type 2, but low in Type 1)
🏁CAUSE:
—More genetically linked than Type 1 (80-85% of cases), 15-18% Lifestyle - Diet/Weight/Lack of Exercise, then a small amount of cases are drug-induced
🦄 MYTHS & FACTS:
—Fruit is BAD for you! NO, actually fruit in a well balanced diet is very healthy! And does not spike your sugar as much as processed sugars because it is combined with fiber—Choose raw fruits, not fruit juices (which have drained the fiber from the fruit)
—Carbohydrates are the ENEMY! NO, complex carbohydrates & whole grains are important and needed in your diet. HOWEVER, they should be paired with protein and fiber in every meal they are eaten with to help you maintain a more stable blood glucose.
—If you have it, you will ALWAYS have it! YES & NO… I have seen patients “cure” their numbers with diet, exercise, and weight loss, HOWEVER—even if you are in a “prediabetic” or “non-diabetic” range on your laboratory results, but PREVIOUSLY were in a diabetic range, your other risks are still increased - such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
—The #1 Killer in diabetic patients is CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (50% increased risk v. the general population) - Heart attack, stroke, etc… so make sure you are ALSO discussing with your P*P how to optimize your risk of cardiovascular events, BESIDES control your glucose.
🍃BEST NATURAL TREATMENT:
—DIET is #1. I have personally seen patients drop 2 - 3 A1c percents with diet alone. AVOID quick processed sugars, such as sugary drinks/sodas/teas, alcohol, white breads, candy bars, heavily processed desserts - these all spike your blood sugar up immediately and then cause it to drop shortly after, so your sugar will be like a roller coaster all day long and make you feel terrible!
—PROTEIN and FIBER should be with EVERY MEAL! If you pair your complex carbohydrates with protein and fiber, it will be processed slower in your GI tract and keep your blood sugar more stable. Aim for about 0.5g protein daily per lb body weight (this may change based on your personal health and renal function, so always verify with your P*P) And about 30-40 g fiber daily
—WATER WATER WATER (and MORE WATER!) You MUST stay hydrated! This helps dilute your blood sugar, and prevents you from having electrolyte imbalances. Aim for 40 to 60 ounces a day
💊SUPPLEMENTS:
🌿There are a TON of supplements out there, but in my experience, the ones that I have seen the most success with are:
—Berberine - 500mg up to 3x daily, start low and increase slowly while monitoring your glucose. I have seen patients dropped up to 2 A1c percents with this!
—Cinnamon - 1000-2000mg daily. Again start low, but I again have seen up to 1 a1c percent drop with this.
—Flaxseed - better EATEN whole than in oil or capsules (because of the fiber in whole seeds) - 1-2 Tablespoons daily will give again a moderate sugar benefit, as WELL as help with cholesterol and blood pressure!
🩺👩⚕️ And as ALWAYS—please always consult your P*P!
Sincerely,
Your Friendly Farmer PA
