How to improve my insulin levels as a person with diabetes?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been suffering from diabetes for twelve years, and I have been on medication since then. I took these medicines for nine years and then stopped thereafter, in fear of getting my other organs affected. Since then, I took ayurvedic treatment and was also advised to take millet meals, which I am taking till now. Recently, I got my full body check-up done (the report is attached herewith).

I have been told that my pancreas is making very little insulin. Please advise me of any ways I can improve my insulin level. Just to add, I am back on allopathic medicines, namely the tablet Metformin Hydrochloride SR 500 mg, the tablet Glimepiride, the tablet Teneligtiptin, the capsule Methylcobalamine, and the tablet Atorvastatin 10 mg. Before restarting these medicines, my fasting sugar was 236 mg/dL, whereas today my fasting sugar is 123 mg/dL.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your query.

Your investigations report shows your HbA1c is higher than your target. It shows average blood sugar levels over three months of time. You are already taking three different types of medications. If you are taking them regularly and still your sugar levels are high, as evidenced by your investigations, then you may need to take an insulin injection. Your blood tests also show that your pancreas is not making enough insulin, which is what happens with long-term diabetes.

So, try to adopt lifestyle modifications more strictly as explained below, and check your sugar levels as you have done now after three months. If your sugar levels still remain high like this, you will need to start insulin, but if they come down, then you can continue with the same medications. Diabetes has many complications, so it is not just about bringing down the numbers but also about monitoring and treating complications associated with diabetes. Lifestyle modifications are the best treatment for diabetes.

1. Get your eyes checked for retinopathy, and your kidneys with urine albumin-creatinine ratio.

2. Get your feet checked.

3. A low-carbohydrate diet should be taken, with no added sugar, no sugary juices, no bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes. If u cannot stop, at least take as little as possible.

4. More vegetables, salads, and fiber should be consumed.

5. Fruits, only as a sweet dish, can be taken. Do not take mangoes, grapes, or bananas. Apple, not more than one piece. Strawberries and other berries are fine along with peach, apricot, and small amounts of plums.

6. Intermittent fasting will also help you control your diabetes. You can fast for 16 hours, like taking your dinner at 7 PM and not eating anything after that. Next, you can take breakfast at 11 AM. During fasting, just drink water and green tea without sugar. You can extend fasting up to 24 hours and then 36 hours as your body adapts. You can fast two times a week or as you feel comfortable. It will control your sugar levels.

7. Drink more water. Sleep well. Exercise, at least walk 30 to 40 minutes daily.

The more you practice these things, the better your control will be. Check your sugar levels frequently. Your fasting target should be 90 to 130 mg/dL. Two hours after eating should be 50 to 160 mg/dL.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Check your feet means to check them every night before sleep for any wounds because with long-term diabetes feet become numbed, and you may not feel any pain even if your feet are hurt and simple abrasion may result in the big wounds over time. Intermittent fasting will sensitize your insulin gradually. You should be wearing well-fitted shoes and wear socks too. If you have numbness in your feet, you can take Pregabalin tablet 75 mg once daily.

Thanks a lot.