The Stages of Diabetes, a Guide

The Stages of Diabetes: A Guide – NutriMap

The progression of Diabetes happens in 3 stages, each characterised by changes in various metabolic parameters and Pancreatic (β-cell) function.

Stage 1 of Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Resistance (Pre-Diabetes)

When fasting sugar levels rise from perfectly normal values to somewhere between 89 and 130 mg/dl, it is a sign of onset of Diabetes. We call this stage as Insulin Resistance. 

Insulin Resistance can be caused due to obesity, physical inactivity, sleeping in day time, unhealthy food choices and genetic predisposition. 

At this stage, Reversal is very much possible and line of treatment should focus on: 

  • Identifying the causative factors for cell resistance 
  • Taking key nutrients to protect Pancreatic β-cell
  • Blood sugar control

If you are in the Pre-Diabetes stage, do not worry, Just WhatsApp us.

Pre-Diabetes (Stage1) can progress to Diabetes (Stage2) in just 29 months, if not treated right.

Stage 2 of Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Deficiency (non-insulin-dependent)

The insulin secretion is insufficient to compensate for high density of insulin resistant cells formed at the end of Stage 1. But you may still not need external insulin treatment.

This stage is primarily characterised by

  1. Fall in insulin secretion per islet 
  2. Fall in the total number of islets.
  3. Fall in glucose-stimulated insulin response.

So, Glucose-lowering nutrition therapies have to be administered, which can halt β-cell deterioration, without contributing to weight gain, and increase insulin sensitivity too.

Stage 1 (Pre-Diabetes) and Stage 2 (Insulin Deficiency) sometimes progresses to Stage 3 (Insulin Dependency) 

Stage 3 of Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin Dependency 

Glucose levels are typically above (350 mg/dl) and people need external insulin to manage blood sugar level due to the marked loss of β-cells.

The treatment plan should be tailored towards individualized aspects surrounding a patient’s life and age in order to improve quality of life and prevent any further comorbidity (organ failures). 

Any diabetes therapy at this stage should be supplemented with a variety of fibre rich food from 3 food groups – whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to provide vitamins, minerals, fibre. This helps to balance the micro and macronutrient requirements for cell & tissue repair and organ protection.

WhatsApp us at 9611005946 for personalised management of Diabetes, and to know your body type assessment absolutely FREE!

Published
avatar

Vinod Sadashivaiah, Founder Nutrimap. A pharmacist who believes nutrition is more powerful than medicine .

Open chat