Khaberni - Health experts said that focusing on the essential pillars of "lifestyle medicine" can help reverse the course of type 2 diabetes by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, improving sleep quality, as well as managing stress and avoiding harmful habits.
Specialists in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine affirm that lifestyle medicine, based on scientific evidence, not only manages the symptoms of the disease but also aims to treat its root causes and may lead to recovery in some patients.
This approach focuses on improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, reducing exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco, and enhancing mental health and sleep quality.
According to "Daily Mail", Dr. Padmaja Patel, president of the association, said that dealing with chronic diseases as conditions that must be lived with indefinitely is no longer sufficient. She emphasized that the goal should be to restore health and improve quality of life.
How does diabetes develop?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin or when it cannot use it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of heart diseases and strokes, in addition to complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and feet.
This type of diabetes, which accounts for about 90% of cases, is associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress.
Modern lifestyles increase risks
Recent studies indicate that changes in lifestyle over the past few decades have contributed to the increase in the number of people susceptible to diabetes, due to reliance on ultra-processed foods, decreased physical activity, and increased stress levels in work environments.
Researchers also warned that lack of sleep plays a significant role in increasing the risk, where a study showed that sleeping less than six hours a day can elevate the probability of developing diabetes by up to 16%.
Warnings about artificial sweeteners
In related context, other research has shown that some artificial sweeteners found in "diet" drinks may be linked with an increased risk of diabetes due to their effect on gut bacteria, which may affect how the body regulates blood sugar.
