RFK Jr.’s FDA chief says diabetics should take cooking classes instead of insulin
RFK Jr.’s FDA head wants diabetics to get cooking classes instead of insulin
I hate to be one to agree, but if he's referring to type 2 diabetes, then it's actually a valid point.
Type 2 is not only preventable but reversable (either completely or enough to massively reduce insulin dependency).
This has been known for a while. Even major diabetes organizations and medical universities say it.
The problem is, good luck convincing someone to switch their diet. And if they wanted to, they may not even be able to afford it.
If it were easy, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity related illnesses would be rare.
Good point, they really should start encouraging diabetics to follow a very specific diet...
Oh wait, they already do that because of course they fucking do?
Type 2 is not only preventable but reversible (either completely or enough to massively reduce insulin dependency).
They say this works for some, not all individuals.
Yep there is a point of no return.
I hate to say it, because it’s such a swallow-the-spider, but I hope GP1s are able to help humans overcome food marketing and processed food bullshit. I’m on one myself and it helps me make better decisions because my sugar cravings aren’t leading me around by the nose. As a result I hope to avoid diabetes.
Keep at it, it can help prevent. Even if it does not prevent it can make symptoms less severe. Also long sessions of cardio are very helpful, hikes and bike rides can be fun ways to get cardio but treadmill and stationary bike work as well.
Source: ADA volunteer who knows hundreds that manage their levels and symptoms with diet and exercise and some that can't. Became a volunteer after losing a close relative that refused to change lifestyle.
Edit: there/their/they're
They say this works for some, not all individuals.
That could be a matter of compliance, obesity, or other factors (i.e. not diet alone).
Regardless, if the majority of people could be helped with lifestyle intervention, then that should be the priority over pharmacological treatment.
Naw, one size fits most is a horrible way to practice medicine. All treatments should be geared to the individuals situation and needs.
Naw, one size fits most is a horrible way to practice medicine.
Um, as human beings, we need a health-promoting lifestyle above all else. Medication should come a long way off from lifestyle intervention for most illnesses, and only as an adjunct to a healthful lifestyle.
The individual protocols can differ, but you aren't going to make anyone well if you aren't focusing on the foundations of health: exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress management.
Type-2 diabetes is considered a lifestyle-related illness for a reason. Treating it with meds first is such a "Big Pharma" way of doing things, and it's so harmful.
Without medication some people will die, others will be permanently disabled. No amount of lifestyle changes will help them with out medication.
Maybe you are misunderstanding, or maybe I'm not explaining it clearly.
With lifestyle related illness (like type-2 diabetes), the "cure" isn't medication, but a change in lifestyle.
The prevention is also based on a healthy lifestyle, not a shortage of medication.
Therefore, if you want to fix a lifestyle related illness, backed by decades of research, then the priority is to get patients to at least practice a healthy lifestyle.
If you don't, then you're fighting a losing battle, and people will be dependent on medication for their entire life.
That's not to say that medication can't be used during the transition phase to a healthy lifestyle, but doctors who only push meds are doing harm.
T2 is not just a lifestyle related illness.
Some people are genetically predisposed and get T2 no matter what lifestyle changes they make.
Some people have a damaged pancreas and develop T2 no matter what lifestyle changes they make.
Some people with disabilities can't really change their lifestyle.
The lifestyle change first regimen without medication would kill many.
I understand for many, if not most, the lifestyle change is all that is needed, I even advocate lifestyle changes in another comment. I spent 5 years on an organization committee for the ADA's tour de cure and have given presentations on the ADA's Choose your plate, nutrition for life. You don't need to convince me lifestyle changes are important.
I also know many people that developed T2 in spite of a healthy lifestyle. I know people that would be dead if not for their medications because T2 is not just a lifestyle related illness.
Again T2 is not just a lifestyle related illness.
T2 is not just a lifestyle related illness.
I'm not going to argue this, because I'm repeating what health orgs, researchers, universities, and governments say.
Are meds needed by some? Yes.
Are meds needed for everyone? Research says no, but only if lifestyle is improved.
As one example, obesity is strongly correlated with type-2 diabetes risk. Even just reducing your weight can reduce the amount of insulin you need. That's a good thing. That's in addition to other benefits gained from reducing your weight.
If doctors aren't making this message clear, and if people aren't giving affordable, accessible means to improve their health, then society has failed those people.
There are no downsides to living a healthy lifestyle. Even if you still get sick, your chances of having a better outcome are greater, so we must start there.
All true except T2 is not just a lifestyle related illness.
Another option is semi glutide treatment that makes you avoid alcohol, high carb food and lower your calorie intake.
