What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is an organ which is located at the back of your stomach. The pancreas is considered to be both an organ and a gland. The pancreas ensures proper digestion and breakdown of nutrients and minerals for the body to use. Insulin is secreted from the beta cells that are produced in the pancreas. diabetes remission
Functions of pancreas
The pancreas has two important functions. These are-
– The creation of enzymes. Enzymes are pancreatic juices that help in the digestion of food. They break down various nutrients and minerals from food. It also produces hormones for the body
– Production of insulin and glucagon, both of which help keep blood sugar levels in control. Insulin reduces blood sugar levels when they are high, while glucagon increases blood sugar levels when they are low.
Diabetes remission after type 2 diabetes
Restoring the functioning of the pancreas after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is quite possible. The functioning can be restored through a concept known as diabetes remission.
Diabetes remission is a term that is used for a body condition in which the blood sugar levels are constantly at a level that is considered non-diabetic. Remission is when your blood sugar levels stay below 6.5 percent for at least six months. The word remission is used instead of reversal because it is not a permanent cure, and type 2 diabetes can return due to high blood sugar levels.
There are many ways to achieve diabetes remission. Some of the most common ways are weight loss, reducing sugar intake, fasting, and bariatric surgery.
How to reach diabetes remission
Weight loss: One effective way to achieve diabetes remission is by losing weight. Obesity is known to be one of the biggest causes of type 2 diabetes among adults. Obese type 2 diabetes patients can reach remission without using any medication by losing more than 10% of their body weight. Losing weight is one of the safest and easiest ways to achieve remission, however, success is not guaranteed every time. Weight loss helps in keeping blood sugar levels under control and also reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. While losing weight is a safe method, you should still consult a specialist to ensure there are no complications.
Reduction of sugar intake: Another way for Diabetic patients to achieve remission is by reducing their sugar and carbohydrate intake. If the consumption of carbs is reduced, then the body will need less insulin. This will help in lowering high blood sugar levels in the long run and achieving remission.
When you reduce your carbohydrate intake, your body is forced to get energy from other sources such as fats. This decreases fat storage and reduces fatigue. Reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake can also help in weight loss and better management of blood pressure in diabetic patients.
Adopt a fasting diet: Reducing your calorie intake by fasting for a certain period and then eating normally for the rest has shown to be an effective technique for achieving remission. One method is to fast for 5 to 6 days in which the diabetic patient only consumes 850 calories by eating only nuts, soups, and shakes. The patient then eats his normal diet for the rest of the 25 days of the month. Even though this diet is not that effective for weight loss, it has been linked with lowering blood sugar levels and reducing blood pressure.
Bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that alters the functioning of the digestive system in order to lose weight. It is carried out when diet and exercise are ineffective for a diabetic patient. It is also carried out when obesity is caused by some serious health issues. Bariatric surgery improves digestion and reduces hunger in patients. However, after bariatric surgery, diabetic patients should take care of their health by following a proper diet and exercise routine in order to achieve diabetes remission.
