UVA Health has announced the commencement of clinical trials for a new method of managing type 2 diabetes, an approach that diverges from conventional treatments involving medication or weight loss. The clinical trials, led by Dr. Daniel Cox, a professor of psychiatry and internal medicine at UVA Health, will explore how lifestyle adjustments can effectively regulate blood glucose levels.
The core of this treatment revolves around educating patients on how to directly influence and manage their blood glucose through increased physical activity and strategic dietary choices. According to Dr. Cox, the program emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between physical activities, food choices, and glucose levels. Participants are encouraged to increase physical activity, especially after meals, by incorporating activities such as walking or doing chores.
During the clinical trials, volunteers will undergo continuous blood glucose monitoring to observe the immediate effects of their activities and food choices. This real-time feedback is designed to help individuals identify which foods cause significant glucose spikes and which have minimal impact. Dr. Cox pointed out that while foods like oatmeal and cold cereal tend to elevate blood glucose levels considerably, options such as scrambled eggs and plain yogurt have a much milder effect.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 38 million people in the United States have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for approximately 90% of all cases. This new approach offers a potentially significant alternative for managing the condition without relying solely on medication or drastic weight loss measures.
