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- 1). Monitor sugar intake. Chronic consumption of simple sugars results in a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. High blood glucose levels over time have been shown to damage beta cells and decrease insulin production.
- 2). Follow a low to moderate carbohydrate diet. Dr. Hilts, a family doctor for the Diabeita diabetes treatment center and sufferer of diabetes, advises that patients follow a low carb diet to reduce the stress placed on beta cells in diabetic patients. She also suggests that eating protein along with carbohydrates will slow gastric emptying into the blood stream, thereby limiting spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, a study published in 2005 in the Annals of Internal Medicine by researchers at Temple University found that subjects following a low carb diet for two weeks showed a 75 percent increase in insulin sensitivity suggesting vastly improved beta cell function.
- 3). Exercise to increase beta cell function through increased insulin sensitivity. Dr. Agneta Sunehag and researchers at the Baylor College found that aerobic exercise increased insulin sensitivity, regardless of weight loss, in both lean and obese patients.
- 4). Consult a physician to adequately monitor beta cell function if diabetes is suspected. Only a trained physician is able to diagnose diabetes and determine when the use of prescription drugs is warranted for use in patients with insulin resistance. Therefore, it is important to have regular check ups to develop a comprehensive plan for minimizing beta cell deterioration. Thiazolidinediones are a class of prescription drugs frequently prescribed to diabetic patients and have been shown to increase beta cell proliferation and function.
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