The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Health: What You Need to Know
In the modern diet, ultra-processed foods have become a staple for many, seducing consumers with their convenience and palatable...
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TYPE 2 DIABETES NUTRITIONIST LONDON
Take Control of Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes
Over 4.3 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, and about 90% of these cases are type 2 diabetes.
This number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, driven by factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits, making it one of the most pressing public health challenges in the country.
As a London-based Registered Nutritional Therapist, I help clients both in person and online to understand their risk factors, build healthier eating habits, and make sustainable lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are sadly common health conditions that affect millions of people, often developing quietly and without obvious symptoms. This happens because the body has trouble managing blood sugar levels, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar that, if not addressed, can result in serious health issues.
Understanding how prediabetes and type 2 diabetes develop, recognising the symptoms, and learning how to manage your blood sugar are key steps to improving your health.
Common Symptoms of Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes
Have you been feeling a bit off lately but can’t quite figure out why? Sometimes, our bodies send subtle signals when things aren’t right, especially with blood sugar levels. It’s easy to dismiss these signs as just part of a busy life, but they could be early indicators of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Are you experiencing any of the following?
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Never feeling rested enough: Feeling unusually tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Struggling to keep your energy up throughout the day?
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Always thirsty and running to the bathroom: Finding yourself constantly thirsty and needing to make more trips to the bathroom, especially at night?
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Blurred vision: Have you noticed your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, or maybe it's becoming blurry, especially when your blood sugar fluctuates?
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Struggling to lose that stubborn weight: Are you noticing extra weight, particularly around your belly, and finding it harder and harder to lose, no matter what you do?
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Never feeling full enough: Ever find yourself feeling hungry, even after a meal, like your body didn’t get what it needed? Craving a sugary or salty snack just to keep you going?
These symptoms can be subtle and often go unnoticed but addressing them early can prevent more severe health issues.
What if you could feel like this?
Energised and focused all day, without that mid-afternoon slump
Master your cravings, giving you control over your food choices instead of impulsive eating
Confidence in your food choices, knowing that what you’re eating is nourishing your body
In control of your health rather than feeling like your blood sugar is controlling you
Lighter and more balanced, both physically and mentally, with less stress around food
BLOOD SUGAR BALANCING PLANS
What Is Blood Sugar & How Does It Affect Your Health?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is your body’s main energy source, mainly obtained from carbohydrates in the foods you eat. After you eat, glucose enters your bloodstream, prompting the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose for energy. In healthy individuals, this process keeps blood sugar levels balanced.
In prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, this system doesn’t work as it should.
Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes, offering a window of opportunity to make changes before the condition worsens.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, or the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, leading to chronically high blood sugar levels.
DID YOU KNOW...
Over 500 million people worldwide are living with type 2 diabetes, projected to rise to 700 million by 2045
PREDIABETIC NUTRITIONIST LONDON
Why Blood Sugar Management Matters?
Managing your blood sugar effectively is key to avoiding serious health problems linked to type 2 diabetes, like heart disease, nerve damage, kidney issues, and even vision loss.
At the heart of blood sugar regulation is insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells use glucose for energy. However, when you develop insulin resistance, your cells become less responsive to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unchecked. Insulin sensitivity, on the other hand, refers to how effectively your body responds to insulin. This is a good thing and we want to be more insulin sensitive. The more sensitive your cells are to insulin, the better they can manage blood sugar, keeping it within a healthy range.
As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, you can trust my advice to be evidence-based and tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you're looking for one-to-one consultations in London or prefer online support, I’ll work with you to create a personalised health plan that supports your blood sugar management.
DID YOU KNOW...
Insulin resistance affects 1 in 3 adults globally and is a precursor to both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
What is HbA1c?
HbA1c is a blood test commonly used by GPs to diagnose and monitor diabetes. It measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, giving you a clear picture of how well your body is managing blood sugar over time.
Interpreting Your HbA1c Levels:
The Prediabetes Range
HbA1c 42-48 mmol/mol (6%-6.4%)
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If your HbA1c falls within this range, it means you're in the prediabetes stage, where your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the type 2 diabetes range. This is your chance to take control! By making lifestyle and dietary changes now, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve your long-term health. Early intervention is key!
The Type 2 Diabetes Range
HbA1c 49 mmol/mol (6.5%) or above
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At this level, your HbA1c indicates type 2 diabetes. While the diagnosis may feel overwhelming, keep in mind that managing your blood sugar effectively can greatly lower your risk of complications. With the right lifestyle and dietary support, many people are able to stabilise their blood sugar levels, feel more energised, and improve their overall well-being.
Who is at risk for Insulin Resistance, Prediabetes &
Type 2 Diabetes?
The journey to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes is often slow and can take years, or even decades, to fully develop. The warning signs are usually subtle, and many people don’t realise they’re on this path until it’s progressed significantly. Here are just a few of the key risk factors that can contribute to developing these conditions:
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Ethnicity Matters: People of South Asian, Black African, or Caribbean descent are two to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those of White European descent. These groups are also at risk of developing the condition at a younger age and lower weight, making early prevention and proactive management especially important.
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Family History and Genetics: If diabetes runs in your family, your risk of developing it may be slightly higher. Genetics can influence how your body manages blood sugar, which is why, even if we eat the same foods as our friends, our bodies can react differently to blood sugar spikes. However, lifestyle and diet choices can significantly help manage these risks and improve blood sugar control.
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Diet Choices: Diets high in sugary drinks, refined carbs, and processed foods can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the UK are estimated to have prediabetes, often without knowing it, and poor dietary habits are a major contributor.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS affects up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is closely linked with insulin resistance. If you have PCOS, you may experience irregular periods, weight gain, and hormonal imbalances, all of which can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Carrying Extra Weight, Especially Around the Middle: Extra pounds, particularly around your belly, increase your risk significantly. Visceral fat around the abdomen actively contributes to inflammation and insulin resistance. This is often seen in about 80-85% of those with type 2 diabetes.
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And the List Goes On: Factors like chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyle, nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and even exposure to environmental toxins can all play a role in disrupting blood sugar balance and increasing your risk.
If any of these risk factors resonate with you, now is the time to take action. Book a consultation today, and let's create a personalised plan to help you manage your blood sugar and take control of your health.
DIABETES UK
Research consistently shows that improving your diet and staying active can cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by around 50%
Personalised Blood Sugar Management & Type 2 Diabetes Support
I offer personalised support for managing prediabetes, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, providing face-to-face consultations near Liverpool Street Station in London and online support worldwide. Having faced these challenges myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate symptoms, decipher conflicting advice, and deal with the daily impact on your life. My goal is to equip you with the clarity and tools to confidently take charge of your health.
To complement this personalised approach, I offer a variety of optional tests tailored to your specific needs. These include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar fluctuations in real time, urine tests for insight into hormone and metabolic function, stool tests to assess gut health and microbiome balance, saliva tests for genetic insights, and advanced blood tests to evaluate key markers such as nutrient levels and inflammation.
By exploring how your diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and sleep quality affect your blood sugar, we can uncover the root causes of imbalances and create a clear path forward. This approach is especially beneficial if you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms, have a family history of diabetes, or simply feel that something is off with your health.
Together, we’ll design a customised plan with practical, sustainable strategies that integrate smoothly into your daily routine, helping you take control of your blood sugar, boost your energy, and improve your overall wellbeing. If you're ready to understand the underlying causes of your blood sugar issues and regain control of your health, book a consultation today and begin your journey towards balanced blood sugar and a more vibrant life.
BLOOD SUGAR BALANCING PLANS
Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
My Personal Experience
There is much discussion around the question, can you reverse type 2 diabetes? While I cannot speak for everyone, I have personally managed to improve my own condition through specific lifestyle and dietary changes, and I fully understanding the challenges this brings.
My journey has given me first-hand insight into the complex interplay of having a sweet tooth, genetics, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors. This experience has greatly influenced my approach and passion for helping others take charge of their health.
Although I cannot promise to reverse anyone else’s diabetes, I can provide guidance and share strategies that have proven effective for me and others. If you’re wondering, 'Can I reverse type 2 diabetes?', my experience might offer you valuable insights. Whether it’s in person or online, get in touch today so we can create a personalised health plan to support your health.
DID YOU KNOW...
Around 80% of type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight management.
Taking Control
I understand how overwhelming it can feel when these risk factors hit home, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start. I’ve faced many of these challenges myself, my sweet tooth often had me eyeing the dessert menu before even deciding on a main! My genetic background, ethnicity, and struggles with PCOS meant I had a lot working against me when it came to blood sugar control. I’ve been right there, feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to make lasting changes. But despite all these hurdles, I was able to turn things around and learned how to reverse type 2 diabetes within myself.
The good news is that understanding these risks is the first step toward taking control. The journey to diabetes may be slow, but with early intervention, the path can be altered. Small, manageable changes in diet, movement, stress management, and sleep made a huge difference for me, and they can for you too.
It’s not just about avoiding diabetes; it’s about reclaiming your health, feeling your best every day, and knowing that you have the power to change your story. I’m living proof that even when the odds seem stacked against you, you can take control and create a healthier, happier future.
Want to find out more about how a personalised diet plan can help you balance your blood sugar, boost your energy, and achieve lasting health? Don’t hesitate to reach out today to start your journey towards a healthier future.
Discover more by browsing our blogs on blood sugar management and overall health...
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