Scientific Approach to Blood Sugar Control
Fernando advocates a “carbohydrate flatline” approach, focusing on stabilizing carbohydrate intake across meals. According to him, irregular eating patterns—like switching from traditional Indian breakfasts one day to high-carb meals the next—can lead to insulin overload and poor blood sugar control. He recommends maintaining a consistent carb intake, particularly at breakfast, ideally around 60 grams. This steady approach, he says, helps prevent insulin spikes and supports better long-term glucose regulation.
In his experience, patients who follow this structured meal plan often see significant improvements. His own father, previously dependent on insulin, managed to bring his blood sugar under control and reduce his medication by following a disciplined food routine and exercise regimen.
Resistance Training: More Than Just Fitness
Exercise plays a crucial role in Fernando’s strategy. But instead of only focusing on cardio, he recommends resistance training as a key to improving insulin sensitivity. Increased muscle mass allows the body to use glucose more efficiently. He encourages incorporating strength-based workouts, such as bodyweight exercises or weightlifting, several times a week.
This focus on building lean muscle can help the body absorb more glucose, making it a critical component of diabetes reversal strategies.
While Fernando and others promote lifestyle changes as a powerful tool, many medical professionals stress that not all diabetes cases can be reversed. Experts caution that the term “reversal” might not be accurate in every situation, especially for individuals who have had diabetes for a long time or rely heavily on insulin. Instead, doctors prefer the term “remission” for early-stage patients who can maintain normal blood sugar levels without medication for an extended period.
Spotting the Early Signs
Understanding early symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. According to WebMD, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes share common early warning signs. These include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue and persistent tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
- Dry mouth and itchy skin
- Unintentional weight loss
- Headaches caused by low blood sugar
In type 1 diabetes, symptoms appear quickly and are often more severe, while type 2 diabetes may develop slowly over time, making it harder to detect in the early stages.
For children, especially those with type 1 diabetes, warning signs might include crankiness, bedwetting, or diaper rash in infants. In children developing type 2 diabetes, symptoms such as skin darkening around the neck and repeated infections are common. Women may also experience more frequent urinary tract or yeast infections.