The Pathway to Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes does not happen overnight. (Thankfully!). And (unpopular statement...) just because other family members have a Type 2 diagnosis, doesn't mean you will have one! …hurrah! Type 2 Diabetes is largely lifestyle driven and starts with compromised blood sugar, then progresses through various stages before it gets to Type 2 diabetes.

Blood sugar regulation affects all systems in the human body. It affects:

• energy production and balance

• the integrity of tissues in organs blood vessels

• hormone balance

• brain health

• Mood

• cognitive function and memory 

Without properly regulated blood sugar, optimal health cannot be achieved because our body is lacking energy.

Type 2 Diabetes does not happen overnight. It starts with dysglycemia (blood sugar dysregulation) and progresses through various stages before it gets to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body processes glucose. With this condition the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it resists insulin. 

So how do we get there?

Different factors can lead to the onset of dysglycemia. Genetics, stress, processed foods, environmental toxins, and hidden sugars can begin to tip the scale towards dysfunction. Over time if these are not addressed and changed, then we are on the road to type 2 diabetes. 

There are five phases that lead up to the eventual diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. 

Phase 1: Compromised blood sugar regulation

• Increased cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates (processed foods)

• Increased hunger and lack of satiety from meals

• Weight gain

• Increased blood pressure

• Difficulty burning fat for weight loss

Phase 2: Hyperinsulinemia 

• Fatigue and low energy

• Stronger cravings for sugar and caffeine

• Intense hunger

• Irritability and light headed if meals are skipped 

• Feeling jittery or shaky between meals

• Sweating

• Rapid, irregular heartbeat

• Headaches 

• Memory issues 

• Brain fog and trouble concentrating

• Blurred vision 

• Insomnia

Phase 3: Insulin resistance

• Increased hunger

• Increased low energy

• Increased brain fog and trouble concentrating 

• Increased weight gain

• Increased blood sugar levels and cholesterol

• Increased blood pressure

• Hyperpigmentation of the skin

• Depression and other mood disorders

• Hormone imbalance (thyroid and fertility issues)

• Slow healing

• Premature aging

Phase 4: Metabolic syndrome

• Abdominal obesity

• Systemic inflammation

• High blood glucose levels (fasting levels above 110 mg/dL)

• HbA1c above 5.5%

• Dyslipidemia (low HDL, high LDL, high triglycerides)

• High blood pressure 

Phase 5: Type 2 diabetes

• Extreme hunger or thirst

• Persistent hunger after meals

• Frequent or increased urination

• Tingling in hands and feet

• Chronic fatigue

• High blood glucose levels (above 200 mg/dL)

• HbA1c above 6.4%

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar to you? The good news is that they can be reversed through intentional dietary and lifestyle changes. In my upcoming course, I will offer a testing addition, 14-day blood sugar reset and will teach you how to reverse your compromised blood sugar. Stay tuned for next week’s blog with tips to start your healing journey.

Don’t want to wait for my course to launch? Schedule a clarity call HERE to get started today! Know you want to work on your blood sugar right away? Book an intake with complete blood panel HERE.