Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes

I am a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed in December 2022.Since being diagnosed I have made a lot of life style changes with the goal of being off my diabetes medication.In November 2023 I achieved that goal. In April 2025 my doctor recommended I stopped using a Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor - CGM to monitor my blood glucose levels.I have a positive mindset that owns my diagnosis and response to it.This is my journey and my relationship with diabetes. Everyone's response to their diagnosis and conditionwill be different. Diabetes does not go away. Once a diabetic, always a diabetic.Respect and learn from your body, learn about your condition, and your medical care team. Make no changes without their guidance, support,and help.Everyone's response to their diagnosis and conditionwill be different. Diabetes does not go away. Once a diabetic, always a diabetic.Respect and learn from your body, learn about your condition, and your medical care team. Make no changes without their guidance, support,and help.If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel, you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashfordJoin my website - www.markaashford.com for books, podcasts and sign up for my newsletterPhotography: Mark A. AshfordArtlist Music - Amazonian Grounding - By Master Mind - 

Hello and welcome to this book on Ultra-Processed Food and Diabetes.There is increasing evidence of the impact of Ultra-processed foods on multiple metabolic and neurobiological pathways, including those involved in eating behaviors, both in animals and in humans.[1]For people on the run, ultra processed food may become their go-to diet, sacrificing nutrition for convenience. While it may be convenient, consuming ultraprocessed foods on a regular basis increases a person's risk of health complications including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. But it can be hard to tell when these foods are on your plate.[2]A diet based on packaged products involves the consumption of small and repeated doses of food additives. At the end of the year, an average French adult ingests up to 10 kg. The calculation is worked out by French researchers in a study published in Scientific Reports[3].  [4] As we replace whole foods with manufactured processed versions, we're changing ourselves. ·       Watch the BBC video on YouTube – “UK doctor switches to 80% ULTRA-processed food diet for 30 days.” - https://youtu.be/T4PFt4czJw0This short video documents a UK doctor's 30-day diet switch to highly processed food. The commentary on his eating habits and the foods he consumes is illuminating. In the 30-day period, he gained weight and his body deteriorated significantly. Before and after MRI scans of his brain were compared revealing new connections in his brain, similar to those of people with addiction.It's time to dive into the world of Ultra-processed foods and uncover how they can cause inflammation in our bodies, impacting our health in the short and long term.Mark Ashford - information@markaashford.com[1] Agnes Ayton M.D. M.Med.Sc.  F.R.C.Psych M.Sc Ali Ibrahim M.B.B.S. M.R.C. Psych  James Dugan B.M.B.Ch B.Sc Ph.D. Eimear Galvin B.Sc. Oliver Wroe Wright M.B.B.S. B.Sc. (Hons) M.R.C.S., "Ultra-Processed Foods and Binge Eating: A Retrospective Observational Study,"  (2021).[2] MS Sara Berg, "What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Ultraprocessed Foods,"  (2024).[3] E. Chazelas, Druesne-Pecollo, N., Esseddik, Y. et al. Exposure to food additive mixtures in 106,000 French adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort. Sci Rep 11, 19680 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98496-6, "Exposure to Food Additive Mixtures in 106,000 French Adults from the Nutrinet-Santé Cohort,"  (2021).[4] Marta Strinati, "Food Additives, We Ingest up to 10 Kg a Year. French Study,"  (2021).

Hello and welcome to my book How to Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes.This book has been a learning journey. I've met diabetics who, after diagnosis, treat it as a medication-managed condition. I've always abhorred medication. The human body is amazing, and we can achieve so much in our short lives if we help and respect it. I was determined to lean about my condition, and the Life Style changes to help me manage it and make me medication-free. Chronic illnesses, which typically appear later in life, significantly impact life expectancy.·       A 55-year-old Canadian male, with no chronic medical conditions, has a projected life expectancy of an additional 23.3 years.·       A 55-year-old Canadian male, Type 2 Diabetic, who does not manage their condition well and makes no Lifestyle changes, may have as little as 13.2 years left to live.·       A 55-year-old Canadian male, Type 2 Diabetic, who manages their condition well and makes the life changes required, has a life expectancy can be 21.1 years. This book is the 19th in a series of books I have written on Diabetes and specific aspects of the condition. It brings together information found in my other 18 books on Preventing and Reversing Naturally Type 2 Diabetes. Combining what I have learned revealed something surprising. My Type 2 Diabetes was self-inflicted and preventable. What can reverse it and the need for medications can also prevent it.Understanding its cause requires a different perspective on life. A recent study from the University of Cambridge[1] reveals habits learned in the young adult years (16-30 years) set the stage for chronic conditions in later years and contributed to my diagnosis. Preventing chronic health conditions involves changing our life view from early teens and recognizing behaviors that lead to them. Medical screening should focus on tracking indicators of these behaviors. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes requires changing behaviors and habits that cause the diagnosis. Increasing personal health knowledge and making lifestyle changes to reduce medication dependency are essential.I hope you enjoy and find this book contributes to your understanding of your body, the way it works and how you can influence your long-term health.Mark Ashfordinformation@markaashford.com[1] Ibid.

This book has been quite a learning journey. From the discovery of Insulin to how the body is designed to maintain homeostasis and what has happened over the past 25 years, I can see how becoming a Type 2 Diabetic was almost inevitable.Homeostasis depends on active regulation, with dynamic adjustments that keep the environment of your cells and tissues relatively constant. The brain is part of many homeostatic systems, providing signals that coordinate your body's internal clocks and regulating hormone secretion by the endocrine system. These functions often involve a region of the forebrain called the hypothalamus, a command centre that regulates the activities of internal organs, among many other functions.Today, we often eat five or six times a day. The quality is just not there. The food is highly processed, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. Both forms convert quickly into glucose in the blood. The combination of stress released glucose and glucose from multiple meals of poor-quality results in the cells being constantly abused by Insulin trying to unlock them to absorb the energy source. They become insulin Resistant, which is a hall mark of PreDiabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.I can now see how over the past 25 years stress and nutrition have contributed to my becoming a Type 2 Diabetic. It is clear how even small things, which seemed a good idea at the time, have contributed to where I am now.

Obesity is a complex disease involving having too much body fat. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It's a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers.  Here are some key facts from the World Health Organization's website on worldwide Obesity and Overweight  •          In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. •          Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled.Is it possible to reverse obesity? Yes, provided it is not genetic in origin. To achieve this, it is crucial to eliminate carbohydrates that break down into glucose (blood sugar) and calorie-dense snack foods primarily composed of refined sugar. Obesity is a significant risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes, and the two conditions are closely interconnected. Approximately 80–90% of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight or obese. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance in muscle and tissue cells. This phenomenon is attributed to various factors, including alterations in adipose tissue biology, cellular function, and multi-organ insulin resistance.

We all get old. It's a human thing, our bodies start to degrade and depending on our lifestyle and what has happened to us in life, this may be faster or not. And, yes, it also depends on our genes and our lifestyle.Human longevity is expanding with each passing decade and yet there are conditions that afflict us that prevent us from gaining full appreciation of the extended life span.Diabetes is one of the conditions that reduces our life spans.Take for example a 55-year-old Canadian male… I know, females live longer but these are numbers I have to work with.That 55-year-old Canadian male is projected to have a further 23.3 years to live.If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes does not manage their condition well: that is, they do not make any lifestyle changes required and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have a projected life span of an additional 13.2 years.If that 55-year-old Canadian male, with Type 2 Diabetes, manages their condition well: that is they make the lifestyle changes required, and do not monitor their Diabetes properly, they will have an additional 21.1 years to live. Just 2.2 years less than the 55-year-old male without Type 2 Diabetes. There is no getting away from the projections, Type 2 Diabetes will shorten your life, poor management of it will shorten it considerably. Diabetes also affects the aging process. How our bodies change as we age is accelerated by Diabetes.Book - Aging and DiabetesAvailable on Amazon Paperback ISBN: 978-1990876677eBook ISBN: 978-1990876653Hard Cover ISBN: 978-1990876660Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford

Hello and welcome to the October News Update video.Great News!I will be releasing my books in an additional format.Hard CoverAll my books are available now in Paperback and eBook but there have been requests for a hardback version suitable for a coffee table.My next book on CGMs and Omnipod will be out soon.Omnipod is a tubeless insulin pump.Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics who must take insulin use syringes or Insulinpumps with tubes connecting the pump, worn outside of clothing to a needle in the Diabetic. Omnipod is the first tubeless Insulin pump that connects tothe skin using medical adhesive like a CGM.Omnipod contains insulin, a needle, and Bluetooth connectivity. It is controlled using a Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM).The most exciting development is integrationof Omnipod with Dexcom G6 & G7 CGMs. This allows forBlood Glucose readings by the CGM to automatically trigger administration of Insulin.All my books are available in Paperback and eBook. Books with an Amazon number are available today in Hard Cover!Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 DiabetesHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-51-6Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/199087651XAlkaline Water and DiabetesHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-52-3Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876528Celiac Disease and DiabetesHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-53-0 Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876536Crohn's, Celiac, Colitis, Diabetes, Stoicism and JournalingHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-58-5 Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876587Diabetes Distress and Diabetes BurnoutHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-59-2 Amazon # - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876595The Low Glycemic Index Diet and DiabetesHard Cover ISBN #978-1-990876-61-5Amazon # - Reiki and DiabetesHard Cover ISBN # 978-1-990876-63-9Amazon # - coming soonCortisol and DiabetesHard Cover: ISBN 978-1-990876-56-1 Amazon # https://www.amazon.com/dp/1990876560Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Inspiration - Megan WolfordReferral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/If you enjoyed the video and want to support the channel, you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashfordThank you.Note:This video is not sponsored.

Celiac Disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder, primarily affecting the small intestine, where individuals develop intolerance to gluten. Gluten is present in foods such as wheat, rye and barley.[1] The impact of this damage is impaired absorption of nutrients from food and drink and can lead to a wide range of collateral symptoms and long-term health complications. Classic symptoms include gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal distention, malabsorption, loss of appetite, and among children failure to grow normally. Non-classic symptoms are more common, especially in people older than two years. There may be mild or absent gastrointestinal symptoms, a wide number of symptoms involving any part of the body or no obvious symptoms. Celiac disease was first described in childhood; however, it may develop at any age. It is associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes mellitus and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, among others. [2] As with Diabetes, the lifelong presence of Celiac is an emotional, mental, and physical stress. If you have Celiac disorder, you may suffer Celiac Distress and Burnout with similar symptoms and manifestation as Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout.  Much of the stress comes from the need to continuously monitor what is consumed to avoid Gluten. Bread made with wheat flour clearly contains Gluten. Condiments such as Soy Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce historically are made with wheat and also contain Gluten and will create an allergic reaction. They are referred to as Hidden Gluten. The challenges and stresses are similar to Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout and may have similar effects on caregivers.  Journaling is a conversation with myself through what I write in my journal. I write at the start and end of every day. It is a very therapeutic exercise that started at the beginning of July and has become an integral part of my daily routine. Most recently this dialogue has helped me through the emotional ups and downs of the longest episode of Diabetes Burnout I have encountered so far. For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.comIf you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel, you can buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashfordPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - ES_Inspiration - Megan Wolford[1,2: Wikipedia]

Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout represent ongoing emotional and mental challenges in the face of a condition that requires continuous monitoring of blood sugars, foodand drink, exercise, and other life stye challenges. Caregivers interact with the Diabetic daily and are impacted by the Diabetic's needs, mood, and emotions. In most cases, the caregiver is a family member or partner who almost invariably has no medical or professional caregiver background. Diabetic Distress is unfortunately a part of the care giver's experience when they are closely involved with a Diabetic. A professional caregiver can detach from a patient after the appointment.Diabetes Distress is the negative emotional experience of living with and managing diabetes. 1Diabetes Distress isn't the same as depression. Diabetes Distress is when a person feels frustrated, defeated or overwhelmed by diabetes. These feelings can come and go.It doesn't mean that you have these feelings about other parts of your life. Diabetes Distress can turn into depression if you have these feelings for a while and they aren't going away. If you think you might be depressed, we have more information and support about depression to help you. You're not alone in this. 2Diabetes Burnout is the feeling of physical and emotional exhaustion due to the demands of living with, and managing diabetes. Diabetes is a condition requiring a person to engage in strict self-management, and an extensive medicinal regime. Please remember, Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout manifest differently for everyone. Once you are diagnosed as a diabetic your life changes and you need to understandyour condition and how you are reacting to it.Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic from Epidemic Sound: ES_Inspiration - Megan WolfordReferral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/To learn more about my work, click here: https://bit.ly/3h3E6I0For books, courses, and information on my Diabetes publications and Reiki, join us at: Markaashford.com If you enjoy the videos and want to support the channel, why not buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/markashford----------References: 1 Louise Morales-Brown, "What to Know About DiabetesBurnout," (2022).2 Diabetes UK, "What Is Diabetes Distress and Burnout?,"(2024).Diabetes Distress and Diabetes Burnout booksavailable on Amazon at the links belowPaperback - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1990876366eBook - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DGQMMV23

Good Morning and Welcome,I hope you are well. Diabetes Burn Out is a familiar occurrence to many diabetics. It is a state of frustration and disillusionment as a result of being diabetic. Many Diabetes sufferers go through this. My feelings and burn out are not unique to me. Virtually all Diabetics go through Burn out from time to time.Because Diabetes will be with me for the rest of my life, I have to recognize that: ·       time, ·       energy, ·       thought and·       care  Are allocated on a daily basis and that regardless of why I am burned out I owe myself a duty of care equivalent to when I am not burned out. The emotional, mental and financial drain can be onerous. Increased risk for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders may appear for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics.   Depression is one of the most serious mental health complications that can occur alongside Diabetes. It has recently been recognized as a distinct illness called Diabetes distress.The risk of developing depression is two to three times higher in people with Diabetes. Some diabetic patients may feel burdened by the self-care demands of the disease, including the fear of complications, diet maintenance, and regular physical exercise. Having doubts about their level of care and accountability in managing their Diabetes can be distressing, which may lead to depression.[1]I have started Journaling. Journaling is a written account of events and emotions that you experience. A journal can be as rough or complete as you choose. It may also be colourful, rather like a scrap book. I used to keep something like a journal on my computer. But I have stopped doing that in favour of a Caran d'Ache fountain pen and a Rhodia Web notebook.In my latest book - Crohn's, Celiac, Colitis, Diabetes, Stoicism and Journaling I go into Journaling as a tool to help with Diabetes Burn out and personal balance. As the book title implies, I write about Crohn's, Celiac, and Colitis along with Diabetes. These conditions may occur with Diabetes, all are linked with Diabetes and sufferers may have to deal with more than once condition simultaneously. Links to the latest book were I discuss Journaling and much moreeBookhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DF2G49GHPaperbackhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/199087634XHave a great day.[1] Avantika Pandey, "Diabetes Type 2 and Mental Health,"  (2023).Mark

If you sleep for 8 hours a night, the recommended amount of rest every night, and you stop drinking water 2, or 3 hours before going to bed, you are reducing your water intake to only the hours you are awake.When you stand, gravity keeps water in the lower part of your body, causing swelling in your legs.When you lie down and the lower part of your body is at the level of the kidneys, the kidneys remove fluids because the body is more comfortable in a horizontal position.The body needs a certain minimum amount of water to eliminate toxins from the body.Drinking water is also very important.Drinking water at certain times maximizes its impact on the body's function:- 2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs- 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - aids digestion- 1 glass of water before bathing - helps lower blood pressure (did anyone know this?)- 1 glass of water before bed - prevents stroke or heart attack (good to know!)Additionally, water before bed helps prevent nighttime leg cramps.Leg muscles need fluid because they contract, and due to a lack of it, they wake up with muscle spasms.Please share this message with your family and friendsPass this message on to others, at least 10 people,knowing that this information could save lives.I drink only Alkaline pH water produced by an Enagic JrIVwater Ionizer. This is not sponsored, I purchased the machine with my own money.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline WaterJoin my website: Markaashford.com and our Newsletter....Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

I use the Free Style Libre 2 CGM from AbbottIt provides information on my Current Blood Glucose level,the trend, and my time in range.Blood sugar—Canada—measured in mmol/L or millimoles per litreCGM Blood Sugar Range — “Green Zone” - 3.9 to 10.0 mmol/LCGM Blood Sugar Range — “Yellow Zone” - 10.13 to 13.3 mmol/LCGM Blood Sugar Range — “Red Zone” greater than 13.3 mmol/LSome medical tests report results in millimoles per litre (mmol/L).A mole is an amount of a substance that contains a large number 6 followed by 23 zeros of molecules or atoms. A millimole is one-thousandth of a mole.A litre measures fluid volume.Myhealth.Alberta.caAuthor - Healthwise StaffIn the Green Zone, Yeah!A nice almost straight line.6.2 mmol/L is the current Blood Glucose Reading.The Arrow indicates the trend which is flat.Looks like I am having a good day.In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/Lis not much out of zone and the arrow indicates aFlat trend.It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that caused this? In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/Lis not much out of zone and the arrow indicates aFlat trend.It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that caused this? In the Yellow Zone! But not by much.The top of the Green Zone range is 10 mmol/L so 10.4 mmol/Lis not much out of zone and the arrow indicates aFlat trend.It is a sharp peak though so what was it I consumed that caused this? I find it best to monitor my Blood Glucose and consume food anddrinks sensibly and so long as I am in the Green Zone, notto be too worried by the "shape" of the graph.Trying to achieve a perfectly flat line. I feel is "too" much.Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon BjörkReferral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/Thank you.

In December 2022 I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. It took a few weeks of being in a dark place before Itook ownership of my response to the diagnosis. My response was to make the Life Style changes that allowed me to be free of medication by November of 2023.Maintaining the Life Style changes since November has been the next challenge I am dealing with, and will be writing and creating books and videos about. For now, let's concentrate on July 2nd. I met with my doctor for her to educate me about why I was taking the Blood Thinner and Blood Pressure medications I am.You can browse the internet and find out what a medication is, but why I would be taking it and not another needs a doctor to explain.After that was dealt with we started talking about Diabetes.  She made the point that Diabetes is a condition that will always be present. It is not like the flu or a broken arm. Once the flu has passed and the broken arm has healed you can say: “I had the flu” or, “I had a broken arm.” You cannot say “I had Diabetes.” Being off medication just means I am a Type 2 Diabetic that manages their condition through diet.This was interesting because I was confident in owning my response to my diagnosis, but I had never owned my diagnosis itself. Because I would always be a diabetic, I had to own it.After some focused medication sessions where owning my diagnosis was the focus, I came to terms with this fact.Some people may say that owning the diagnosis has to come before owning the response.I argue no. The response, the Life Style changes, has to come before owning the diagnosis. The Life Style changes confirmed the approach and my understanding of my condition.My message is that if you have Type 2 Diabetes, own your diagnosis and your response to it.Use Focused medication to guide you through this second period of ownership.Be gentle with yourself as you practice and focus on something unique andspecial.Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon BjörkReferral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/Link to all my works - Click here—https://linktr.ee/markaashfordThank you.

Focused meditation is a lot easier than some other forms, especially if you use a concrete physical object to focus on. You can use this object as an anchor, drawing you back into the present moment even as your thoughts try to pull you away. This method of meditation is open-ended in the sense that there is no prescribed posture or object of focus. You can adapt it to meet your own needs. This meditation can be done in a variety of settings. You can choose almost anything to meditate upon, including the waves of a river, a nearby tree, or your own hand. Wherever you are, you can sit and do a focused meditation. If your mind does wander, simply come back to the practice and refocus. As the name suggests, this practice is ideal for anyone who wants to sharpen their focus and attention.Focused meditation is a lot easier than some otherforms, especially if you use a concrete physical object to focus on.Be gentle with yourself as you practice and focus on something unique andspecial.Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon BjörkReferral Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/x4pe9m/Thank you.

Visualization and Activity Meditation can work together to form an extremely positive and effective combination. Earlier we spoke about visualization and activity meditation in terms of lager physical activity such as walking the dog, cycling, or running etc. But there are smaller things that work well together. When I visualized being medication free that meant going from 2,000mg of Metformin, 4 x 500mg pills a day to Zero. That is unrealistic. The Life Style changes I had to make had to become ingrained, and perpetual habits along with a gradual reduction in medication. Visualizing a reduction in my medication in stages, along with the adoption of the Life Style Changes were the key to victory. In this video I describe how I visualized reducing medication using a pill splitter. I purchased my pill splitter at a Pharmacy, but you can buy them on Amazon very cheaply. Cutting a 500mg tablet into two 250mg tablets, and then crushing a 250mg piece into powder and sprinkling it on food helped me visualize the reduction of medication in a practical way. Sprinkling the powder on food helped me visualize not “taking a pill anymore.” In the end, I went from 1 500mg pill twice a day, to none.There are many ways to connect the mind and body through visualization and movement meditation to achieve a goal connected to diabetes. In the next video we will look at how these two powerful meditations can help with shopping!For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

In my previous videos I spoke about the many different forms of meditation. The most valuable to me has been visualization meditation.I used visualization as part of the process of setting, and reinforcing my goal to be medication free.All types of goals are best achieved if broken into smaller goals that are more easily achieved.I have a pill cutter and crusher that I purchased from a local pharmacy. I bought it when I had to treat one of my cats. I cut their pills into quarters, and crushed one of the pieces into a powder. I added the crushed powder to their food. A bit more work than putting the pill fragment into their mouth, but I did not have to watch them to ensure they did cough it up.I would set my Metformin dose of 2 x 500mg pills on the counter. I took the pill cutter and visualized using it to cut each pill in two, 250mg.Then I opened the crushing compartment and visualized crushing a pill fragment into a powder and sprinkling on my food.In the end, my doctor reduced my medication from 1,000mg to 500mg and then to zero. The visualization of reducing my medication, cutting and crushing pills, was positive reinforcement of my ultimate goal. There are many ways to use physical things around is to reinforce outcomes we visualize achieving. A simple pill counter I purchased for a few dollars was a powerful way to visualize my medication being reduced in size and strength.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Visualization can be greatly helped by including memories of places and events that have happened to us.Wednesday evening as I was drifting off to sleep, by an open window and there was a rain storm outside. I listened to the heavy rain falling on the trees outside, the roof, and how animals were experiencing the storm. Cool breezes came in through the open window. Thursday, it rained again but not so hard, and last night, Saturday, it rained again. Each time the sound and experience of the storm was different. If you are visualizing a storm as part of a meditation, recalling such memories can deepen and enrich the mediation. In Canada, Father's Day is celebrated June 16, Mother's Day was on May 12. Remember to honour and think about your father, and your mother on the appropriate day. They were there when important events, large or small, took place in your life. They know your life's history.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Water and our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Visualization and Movement mediation can be greatly enhanced by correct instruction on how to carry out your chosen activity and having the correct equipment and supplies An instructor can show you the most efficient, effective, and safest way of participating in your chosen motion. For example, walking. We all know how to walk, place one foot in-front of the other, right? But a gait analysis and purchasing shoes to support and help the way you walk comfortably is a very sensible idea. As you progress and become more proficient with your movement, go back a little while later and have a new gait analysis completed to understand if anything has changed. Don't forget to update your shoes often. Remember running shoes, or trainers, wear out and need to be replaced. Visualize yourself using your new shoes and understanding how you walk. Then visualize walking faster or further to match your improved movement. For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

This was the second form of meditation I employed to remove negativity after my diagnosis. I use it today as do many professional athletes.Visualize positive outcomes. Professional athletes visual success and effective execution of their skills.I used it to visualize becoming medication free. Pills could be cut in half, and two pulls could be one then a half.Finally there would be no pills at all.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.comPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Visualization and Movement mediation can come together in a very positive way. On the lake there is a group of canoeists, if you listen, the instructor is giving direction but also visualization of what participants will be doing. Instructions are a great help to Visualization. They create boundaries for movement,expectations, and a formula for executing movement. As a spinning instructor, an event such as the Tour de France, a 21-day CyclingRace around France provided a shared visualization for everyone in the class. In the race there are 22 teams of 8 riders each. Some are specialists inmountain climbing, others in sprinting and others are generalists. Adding tension to the spinning wheel made it harder to pedal. During a mountain stage we could visualize riding in the French Pyrenees. Reducing tension allowed us tovisualize racing with the sprinters on flat sections. Visualization and Movement mediation work very well together as there is good feedback between what you believe you are doing, or where you are when exercising and what you are actually doing. For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com Photography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Mindfulness Mediation originates from Buddhist teachings, it is immensely popular and the most studied meditation form in the West.Mindfulness mediation combines concentration on your physical environment and your thoughts. You pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind but do not judge them. You are looking for patterns. I had two patterns: (1.) Negative information and the feelings it created, (2.) positive thoughts and the goal of being medication free.This form of meditation is ideal for people without a teacher to guide them,as it can be easily practiced alone.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.comPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

The first form of meditaion I employed to help removethe negativity from my diagnosis. The rhythm and cadenceof spinning helped me become at ease with my body.Waking, running, jogging, Tai Chi, are just some of the therapeutic movement meditation styles. Find one that easesyour mind and emotions and perfect it. For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.comPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Between Dreams - Jon Björk

Alkaline Water and Diabetic Maintenance ModeOne of the changes I have already made is to consume Alkaline Water that is pH balanced with my body.Holistically, I use Alkaline Water for everything, drinking, food preparation, washing and hygiene.For books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, Alkaline Waterand our Newsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.comPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Långväga - Strom

Good News!The read out of my blood tests - A Great Lakes Freighter -And two new books and information I am working on. Join my website: Markaashford.comPhotography: Mark A. AshfordMusic - Epidemic Sound - Långväga - StromFor books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, and ourNewsletter.... Join my website: Markaashford.com

The Reiki Practitioner should be certified according to your local regulations. In Canada this is the Canadian Reiki Association. The Practitioner may be certified by: The International Association of Reiki Professionals . The Practitioner may have other certifications depending on their special interests. The Practitioner should be insured to cover any accidentsduring the session. For example, a fall.You should feel comfortable having a Reiki Session with the practitioner. They should should spend time understanding your needs before the session. They should explain what will happen during the session and afterwards. 

Recognize and Remove Negativity with ReikiDiabetes can be a very negative experience. Removing itand other negative influences and stressors is essentialto help develop a positive outlook and seek only positiveand encouraging information sources. A Reiki professional can help rebalance your core spiritand bring you to a positive space where you can grow andPrevent or Reverse your Type 2 DiabetesMusic - Epidemic Sound - Långväga - StromFor books, courses, remote Reiki sessions, and ourNewsletter.... Join our website: Markaashford.com

Reiki helped me deal with the Negativity created by Diabetes.We all have to manage negativity in our daily lives.It may be created by people, places, our jobs, and many other daily life events. Some we can put out of our mind easily enough.Diabetes is different. It a stress factor loaded with negativity that is always there. Medication has to be taken and Blood Glucose monitored. It seems to reversed. Reiki is a guiding hand that helps displel negativity and build confidence.

Meditation has been practised for thousands of years in places such as India and is part of many spiritual religions and belief systems.There are nine popular forms of mediation:mindfulness - spiritual -focused - movement - mantra - transcendental - progressive - loving-kindness andvisualization.Always choose and follow what best suits you. Here i am Introducing what suits me.

Reiki is your connection with the essential light and energy that is the Universe.Reiki energy is a complete energy, there is nothing missing and nothing that must be owned or achieved. It can be used anytime, anyplace for any condition. This vital flowing energy is the basis for the continuity of life, as we know it. 

When I was first diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic it was a very dark time. Reiki, I am a Usui Tibetan Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner, helped me greatly.What is Reiki?Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words, ‘Rei' meaning spirit, miraculous, or divine and ‘Ki' meaning gas, vital energy, breath of life, consciousness. Ki can also refer to a person's feelings, spirit, mood or frame of mind. There are a number of other translations of ‘Reiki' into English.For ease of use, and because there is no generally agreed on replacement for the word ‘Reiki' we will use it now.Reiki is your connection with the essential light and energy that is the Universe.Reiki energy is a complete energy, there is nothing missing and nothing that must be owned or achieved. It can be used anytime, anyplace for any condition. This vital flowing energy is the basis for the continuity of life, as we know it. There are three degrees and four levels of attunement to Reiki

There is nothing a diabetic cannot consume, there arethings a diabetic should not consume.Easter is coming and there will be celebrations involvingfood. Choose sugar free options, or simply reduce your intake of cakes, chocolate, and other sugary treats.Monitor your CGM if you are wearing one, remember to take finger pricks for blood analysis.Always let your host know you may not consume everything you are given, but that you will enjoy what you do.

Where and who you do your physical activity withis as important as doing it. You will reduce your stress and anxiety over your activityAlways choose the place and people you are comfortable with, and make self praise a familiar friend.

We are out walking again, maintaining the activity level to improve our fitness. One of the questions often asked is whether animals have a pancreas that doe the same for them as does the human PnacreaseThe answer is yes, they do. Listen to the podcast to learn moreJoin our website at: markaashford.comCheck out my link tree for all the books and social media sites where you can find me:https://linktr.ee/markaashford

I am a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed in December 2022. Since being diagnosed I have made a lot of life style changes with the goal of coming off my diabetes medication. In November 2023 I acheived that goal. I no longer take any medictaion for diabetes. I still use a Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor - CGM to monitor my blood glucose levels. This is my journey and my relationship with medicine and diabetes. I have learned a lot and I am sharing it here.Stress and Anxiety play a big role in the daily life of a Diabetic, Type 1 or Type 2. So What is Stress, What is Anxiety? I cover both in my book in some detail. But let's talk here for a moment.Stress is any demand placed on your brain or physical body. Any event or scenario that makes you feel frustrated or nervous can trigger it. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. While anxiety can occur as a reaction to stress, it can occur without any obvious trigger.

So just to recap what's happening in your body when you consume liquids or you consume foods.Your digestive system goes into interaction to convert what you've just eaten or drunk to blood glucose.And it releases it into the system. The pancreas then senses this and goes into action, releasing insulin. And insulin is the hormone that moves the blood sugar that's just been created into your tissues. And it can be used and give you energy to do things like walk and talk and think and breathe and all those other good things that we all need.My comments on Biceps and Triceps curls are general.I am not a personal trainer and I cannot see how you are interpreting the information.Please refer to a personal trainer who can work with you and identify errors in form and execution of any exercises you perform.

I am a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed in December 2022. Since being diagnosed I have made a lot of life style changes with the goal of coming off my diabetes medication. In November 2023 I acheived that goal. I no longer take any medication for diabetes. Exercise has been mentioned a few times in this book, now is the time to look at it in more detail and take note of some differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics.Our second walk down by Lake Ontario. Each activity session builds on the one before and accumulates to create a more active and physically fit you. Let's go for a walk, the simplest of activities but the most enjoyable and learn about Cardio and resistance activity.Music - Epidemic Sound - Långväga - Strom

Exercise has been mentioned a few times in this book, now is the time to look at it in more detail and take note of some differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics.The first thing to say about exercise is that it should be front and centre for ALL of us, not just diabetics. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is done at enough intensity to improve your fitness. Resistance training, brisk walking, cycling, and jogging are examples of exercise. As exercise is more challenging than just accumulating physical activity through your day, it often needs some planning, a certain level of ability, and a little more effort. [1]From my perspective, I participated in vigorous spinning classes, cycling, and weight training because I enjoyed them not because they were risk factors. Diabetes was not on my vision board at that time. These activities served to support the fitness level necessary for scuba diving for both pleasure and teaching.Let's go for a walk, the simplest of activities but the most enjoyable. This walk was down by Lake Ontario, Mississauga, Canada.[1] Diabetes Canada, "Exercise and Activity,"  (2024).

Exercise is important to the whole population, not jut diabetics.Exercise is an activity repeated often enough that you start to see benefits in your physical fitness. Some of the benefits are:weight loss - obesity is a risk factor for diabetesStronger BonesImproves blood pressureImproved sensitivity to Insulinother benefits are lower rates of heart disease and cancer.What counts as exercise. well if you have a dog, walk the dog! But, make it enjoyable for yourself and your dog.

A quick comment on the relationship between poor sleep quality and poor sleep duration. How to get more sleep and better quality of sleep.More details are on page 248 in my book "Prevent and Reverse Natural Type 2 Diabetes" available on Amazon.

This episode is all about Sleep!Before 2020, before diabetes issues entered my life, I had always gotten by on between 4 and 6 hours sleep a night. Eight hours of sleep seemed excessive but 4-6 hours was doable if I had naps on the weekend. It was usual for me to return from the gym on Saturday or Sunday, have a protein shake or some other high-protein meal and then have a nap. The nap could last between 1 and 3 hours. If I went for a long bike ride in the afternoon, there would be no nap.Somewhere in this, a sleep deficit would accumulate. Looking back, I must have had a sleep deficit of varying levels for several years depending on the activities I was involved in, and the level of stress those activities created.However, being well rested is about more than just how many hours you sleep. As a result, the terms sleep deficiency or sleep insufficiency are more frequently used to describe factors that reduce the quantity and/or quality of sleep and keep a person from waking up refreshed. For example, a person who sleeps for a total of eight hours but with many awakenings that fragment their sleep may have insufficient sleep even though their sleep duration technically meets the recommended amount. (Eric Suni and Alex Dimitriu, "Sleep Deprivation: Understanding the Hidden Consequences,"  (2024).)Sleep loss can lead to higher risks of serious health problems, including Type 2 Diabetes.Research has shown that sleep deprivation and insulin resistance may be linked.Insulin is one of the main Hormones in the Human Body, there are 64 in total. Seep insufficiency affects all hormones, but being a diabetic, I am interested in the effect on the bodies ability to manage blood sugar and sleep disorders.There is more information in the book where I cover:Sleep Deficit - meaning and consequencesBlood Sugar Levels and SleepHow Diabates technology can improve sleepComplicationsHow much sleep do we need?In the next Episode, we look at Stress.My book, Prevent & Revise Naturally Type 2 Diabetes has been updated. The paperback and eBook versions are available on Amazon at the links below. Both are in full colour and over 300 pages. The paperback is a beautiful print book - US Letter size - that is, 8.5 x 11 inches.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by StromPaperbackhttps://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J63I80XL2WRF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BtpqwK5k0o_rREer3heXizr8UAVqQIA1-e739QHUvkHtZIZPQOCsT6jM_1rGHZCdGMdIw6hV0PlZ-H-mduJnnAzuCOOjlPNg0ft7XNUkTZQNqJcofqOQG_Qx0M4yBlYFwX_-5hkH63x15J-oidF6OSf77JYTXtRhoZ3lq1ZNucg1vb6UraJyrN1PaoYM3YBUCnvegQpdNWfp9iNBrsrJ5B_3XcZvTNpaLyBFP3vD4HLDYhpa-zhHxxezUglTnTu1lIUhK6mtcINzHisJRjWvYs5hZMD_7KmXrI3fpV4Bpys.F9Ji6x9M8S4PTM-tD_shdQmypP_6VJ0hEtAu3Q2yKzw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mark+A.+Ashford&qid=1709057174&sprefix=mark+a+ashford%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1eBookhttps://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_2?crid=J63I80XL2WRF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BtpqwK5k0o_rREer3heXizr8UAVqQIA1-e739QHUvkHtZIZPQOCsT6jM_1rGHZCdGMdIw6hV0PlZ-H-mduJnnAzuCOOjlPNg0ft7XNUkTZQNqJcofqOQG_Qx0M4yBlYFwX_-5hkH63x15J-oidF6OSf77JYTXtRhoZ3lq1ZNucg1vb6UraJyrN1PaoYM3YBUCnvegQpdNWfp9iNBrsrJ5B_3XcZvTNpaLyBFP3vD4HLDYhpa-zhHxxezUglTnTu1lIUhK6mtcINzHisJRjWvYs5hZMD_7KmXrI3fpV4Bpys.F9Ji6x9M8S4PTM-tD_shdQmypP_6VJ0hEtAu3Q2yKzw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mark+A.+Ashford&qid=1709057215&sprefix=mark+a+ashford%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-2

Diabetes podcast Episode 6, Feb 2024 Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, whichever applies to you. Welcome to Episode 5 of the Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes podcast I am your host, Mark Ashford, I am a Type 2 diabetic. This is episode 6, For February 2024, let's start with an update February 2nd, I gave blood for a follow up with my doctor. On Feb 6 my doctor agreed I can continue without medication. I have a follow up in 3 months, until then, no Metformin. Yeah!  The other tests, urine to monitor kidney function were “very good.” Of course, like everyone else, I need to maintain my water intake at approx. 2 litters per day to keep flushing the kidneys and system generally. We disused options for getting enough blood for the A1c home test kit. The finger pricker/lancets I have are not producing enough blood for a test. The amount required is not huge, but it is more than required for Blood Glucose tests familiar to Type 1 Diabetics or any finger pricking to take a blood glucose reading using a separate monitor. We discussed trying different locations to obtain the blood required.  My doctor has available to her a Diabetes coach, a resource who can help diabetics with their questions and practices. If I still have problems, she will set me up with the coach.  This highlights the importance of raising issues and questions with your medical team and understanding what resources they have available. Monitoring Blood Glucose with my CGM has been effective in maintaining and understanding my body's reaction to foods without Metformin. There have been no big swings in glucose readings. I have noticed that when there is a peak it remains within the green range of 3.9 to 10 mmol/L.  The shape of the peak is a little different to when I was using Metformin.  The peak is reached quickly and falls equally quickly which means my bodies reaction to the blood glucose is improving.   When I do have a peak reading, in or out of range, there is no plateau. The Blood Sugar reading does not remain high. There continues to be issues with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 app. ·       The app has been consistently reporting an estimated A1c of 6.0 but the blood test for the doctor shows 5.6. I have had two blood tests with my doctor showing 5.6, the error seems to be systemic. ·       Recently, there have been issues with the High and Low Blood Glucose reporting. o   The Glucose in Range chart has shown Low Blood Glucose readings, but there is no record in the Low Glucose event tables. I have no symptoms of Low Blood Glucose. o   The upper Glucose in Range threshold is 10 mmol/L, above that I am in the “yellow zone.”  o   I have experienced “Yellow Zone” reports but later in the day, say after 1 or 2 hours, the chart no longer shows this exception. The Time in Range chart either does not show a count of the incident. The Daily Patterns chart shows no transit into the Yellow Zone. My book, Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes has been updated and expanded again. It is now 301 pages. For me one of the most interesting things was what I call “A Day of Eating.” In this chapter I am trying to capture my daily habits and what they could have contributed my current condition. I have added chapters on “Sleep” and “Stress.” Until I started researching the habits, I was unaware of how these affect our hormones and the body. Insulin is a Hormone BTW. For many years I had gotten by with 4-5 hours sleep a night, every night, and I had often been complimented on how well I managed stressful workplace stations. Looking at the new information (to me) I can see how both factors significantly affected my body and together with diet may have contributed to my current diabetes. It is now available on Amazon.ca and other Amazon book market places. That's it for now!See you next time.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by Strom ·       The Amazon links are: Paperback –  https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VG81EANVVUK2&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1705774163&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+matutrally+type+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2 eBook –  https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1VG81EANVVUK2&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1705774163&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+matutrally+type+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-5

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, whichever applies to you. Welcome to Episode 5 of the Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes podcast I am your host, Mark Ashford, I am a Type 2 diabetic. This is the first episode of 2024, let's start with an update I am still without medication. There has not been any need to take meds, which was an option given by my doctor. I go back for another consultation in February, my goal for now is to make sure I remain of medication. Let's see what happens! The A1c home test kit available on Amazon.ca is now $408:73 up from #350 when I bought mine back in November. I have not completed a successful test yet. ◦                The kit is designed to provide 20 tests, not 10 as I referred to before. The kit is designed to complete 20 tests and only 20. ◦                It contains ◦                A blood collection tool◦                A bottle of reagent the blood must be mixed with by shaking◦                A reader that gives the result. The result is only retained for 15 minutes to record it quickly if you are going to do so.◦                A plugin for the reader accepts the blood/reagent mixture for processing.◦                Except for the reader, all pieces are disposable after a reading has been completed.◦                The components are bar coded and when you receive the kit, you must confirm the parts have the same bar code. If not, the kit cannot be returned.◦                When the individual parts of the components for a test have been opened, they cannot be resealed, reused or kept for later use.◦                I opened everything to complete a test and found the finger pricker and lancets I had purchased did not generate sufficient blood for the test. Apart from the reader, all the other parts had to be thrown away. Blood.◦                Test kit requires more blood, not much more, but still more than compared to the regular Finger Pricker used by Type 1 diabetics and some Type 2 diabetics to verify their blood glucose levels.◦                The finger prick and lancet I had purchased did not generate sufficient blood for the A1c test.◦                I sourced a different finger pricker that promised a greater range of depth options and 28-gauge lancets intended for someone with “thick skin.”◦                Before opening a second set of test components, I have experimented with pricking my skin to generate sufficient blood for a test. So far, I have not been successful.◦                Most Finger prickers sold with lancets on Amazon come with 30-gauge lancets, 28-gauge lancets are recommended for “thick skin” but have not done the trick.◦                Any thoughts? ◦                Coming off metformin coincided with the end of a COVID infection and a rather long, and intense bout of Diabetes burnout. ◦                Monitoring Blood Glucose with my CGM has been effective in maintaining and understanding my body's reaction to foods without a drug to assist it.◦                There have been no big swings in glucose readings.◦                I have noticed that when there is a peak it remains within the green range of 3.9 to 10 mmol/L. ◦                The shape of the peak is a little different to when I was using Metformin. The peak is reached quickly and falls equally quickly.◦                There is no plateau◦                Even when I am out of range, into the yellow, that is 10.01 to 13.3, the peak is not maintained for long. ◦                Christmas!◦                I enjoyed Christmas, taking the huge positive of being off Metformin as being my Christmas Gift to myself.◦                I was cautious, and careful with what I consumed this Christmas. ◦                At Christmas Dinner:◦                I controlled the quantity of food eaten, and not going back for seconds stopped me from feeling bloated and heavy after the meal. I certainly did not want to go to sleep!◦                In addition to limiting the quantity of what I consumed, I limited foods that obviously had sugar, such as the Christmas Log cake. The cake was made by a popular, local, Italian bakery and was delicious. But it brought home the fact you do not need a lot of sugary cake to enjoy a celebration.◦                Yes, I was out of range by the time I got to my car to drive home. An hour later, I was back in range. ◦                They say there is no food a diabetic cannot eat, there are foods a diabetic should not eat.◦                I have been out of range for the past few days.◦                I have been above normal.◦                Ironically, this is not because I have been eating food I should not be eating. Chocolate-covered sponge cookies do not peak my blood sugar unless I eat more than one. The nutrition label provides information on 1 cookie.◦                The blood sugar peak was because of a combination of other foods.◦                Taking regular CGM readings and understanding what I consumed and that pushed me over the normal range has given me something to correct and control my intake. ◦                My book, Prevent and Reverse Naturally Type 2 Diabetes has been updated and expanded. It is now 249 pages, up from 142, and has new pictures and tables. It is now available on Amazon.ca and other Amazon book market places. That's it for now!See you next time.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by Strom ·       The Amazon links are: Paperback –  https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VG81EANVVUK2&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1705774163&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+matutrally+type+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-2 eBook –  https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1VG81EANVVUK2&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1705774163&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+matutrally+type+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-5  

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening – whichever applies to you!·       Welcome back to Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. This is Episode 4. I am your host, Mark Ashford a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed December 19, 2022.·       This is my journey reversing Type 2 Diabetes and discussing the life style changes that have made that possible and which can help prevent the condition.·       What has happened since the last podcast?o   I am off medication – yeah!November 23rd, at a visit to my doctor, she gave me a choice, stay on my existing medication – a x 500mg Metformin per day, change to 1 x 250mg Metformin per day or no medication. If course, I chose the laterI still have 2/3rds of a bottle of Metformin which I can restart should things go sideways. I have a pill cutter so I could reduce the 500mg tablets by ½ if needed.So far, there have been no issues, and for the approx. 30 days since going without medication I have been in my target range 100% of the time.o   Since I have started using the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM, there have been issues with the estimated A1c result. o   Diabetes Canada advises that a reading of 5.5% and below is normal. My doctor gave me the option of going without medication when my last visit and formal Lab controlled blood test was 5.6%o   The FreeStyle Libre 1 estimated A1c reading was 5.5% but the new FreeStyle Libre App remained at 5.9% for ages, went up to 6.0% and then down to 5.8%o   I discussed purchasing an A1c test kit from Amazon and have done so. To date I have not completed a test. I will update the podcast when the first result is in. Please note that if you are not using blood tests using lancet device and needles, you will have to purchase in addition to the test kit. o   In the last podcast I described my new book that accompanies this Podcast. The book is being updates and I hope to have it available before the New Year. o   The book is called not surprisingly, Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. o   Book is in paperback and eBook format – links are below:Paperback:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1eBook:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-4·       In the next Episode we will look at:o   The A1cNow test and how it compares to the FreeStyle Libre 2 app.o   Eating habits and life style changes which have gotten me off medication, how are they holding up now I am off medication. o   Are there any changes to eating habits?o   Being in Target range for 30+ daysThat's it for now!See you next time.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by StromAmazon.ca – A1cNow test kit - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00D7C6YCQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening – whichever applies to you.Welcome back to Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. This is Episode 3. I am your host, Mark Ashford a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed December 19, 2022.This is my journey reversing Type 2 Diabetes and discussing the life style changes that have made that possible and which can help prevent the condition.What has happened since the last podcast?o   I have published my book that accompanies this Podcast. The book is called not surprisingly, Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. o   Book has been published, paperback and eBook format – links are below:Paperback:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1eBook:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-4The book is freshly completed but I already plan an expanded book. The expanded book will take a deeper dive into prevention based on a look back at my eating habits and preferred foods 10, 15, 20 years ago through the lens of current information and try to infer what has contributed my current diagnosis.It will have new sections on Diabetes in children, food and the impact of Diabetes in 3rd world countries where diagnosis and support are much more restricted.·       Transition to FreeStyle Libre 2 Continuous (Blood) Glucose Monitor - CGMo   There continue to be some issues with the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM.o    Bluetooth communication between the CGM and the Smartphone have not been as smooth as anticipated after the success of my first CGM.o   With more use, there are still issues with the Appo   Added to issues reported in Episode 2, accuracy of the estimated A1c result is now of concern. More in the Podcast.·       In the next Episode we will look at:o   Ongoing experience with the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGMo   I will have had the results from a recent round of blood tests and a new A1c score.o   Annual Medicals and what they do and do not show you. How you might miss a diabetes diagnosis for years but still participating in annual medicalso   We will take a look into my eating habits over the past 10, 20, or 30 years and which have contributed to my current diagnosisThat's it for now!See you next time.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by Strom

·       Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening – whichever applies to you.·       Welcome back to Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. This is Episode 2. I am your host, Mark Ashford a Type 2 Diabetic. I was diagnosed December 19, 2022.·       This is my journey reversing Type 2 Diabetes and discussing the life style changes that have made that possible and which can help prevent the condition.·       What has happened since the first podcast?o   I have published my book that accompanies this Podcast. The book is called not surprisingly, Prevent and Reverse Naturally, Type 2 Diabetes. o   Book has been published, paperback and eBook format – links are below:Paperback:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes/dp/B0CJ4B47G3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1eBook:https://www.amazon.ca/Prevent-Reverse-Naturally-Type-Diabetes-ebook/dp/B0CJ6S1TN1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2FTPLGNNPQ9O7&keywords=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+type+2+diabetes&qid=1697284138&sprefix=prevent+and+reverse+naturally+tpe+2+diabetes%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-4·       The book is freshly completed but I already plan an expanded book. ·       The expanded book will take a deeper dive into prevention based on a look back at my eating habits and preferred foods 10, 15, 20 years ago through the lens of current information and try to infer what has contributed my current diagnosis.·       How we talk to ourselves and to others about our diabeteso   Chronic - adjective§  continuing a long time or recurring frequently:§  constant; habitual; inveterateo   Condition - noun§  state of health:§  a particular mode of being of a person or thing; existing state; situation with respect to circumstances.·       Transition to FreeStyle Libre 2 Continuous (Blood) Glucose Monitor - CGMo   Bluetooth communication between the CGM and the Smartphone rather than scanning manuallyo   App is always up to dateo   App has alarms for:§  Low Glucose event – turned off§  High Glucose event – turned off§  Signal Losso   App is not smooth, alarms continue even after rescanning and connecting the sensoro   App reported out of range more often when the CG< was coming to end of life. This meant the sensor had to be replaced several hours before the app told me the sensor had to be replaced.o   Because there is no manual scanning, when I do check the app and the graph, I have to work out what the readings mean for the food I have eaten. Consume food and go issueo   I have an Apple Watch; the alarms appear on the watch as well as the iPhone·       In the book I refer to the percentage of the population in UK, Canada, US and EU who are considered to have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. The number is considerable and growing.·       Those references were to 1st world countries with diagnosis and treatment capabilities·       The number of undiagnosed diabetics globally but especially in 3rd world countries is large and growing. Third world countries do not have diagnosis and support capabilities of richer countries. Diabetes is a big problem world-wide.https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/sep/29/diabetes-undiagnosed-40-per-cent-of-cases-worldwide-survey-acc·       In the next Episode we will look at:o   Ongoing experience with the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGMo   Annual Medicals and what they do and do not show you. How you might miss a diabetes diagnosis for years but still participating in annual medicalso   We will take a look into my eating habits over the past 10, 20, or 30 years and which have contributed to my current diagnosisThat's it for now!See you next time.Music from Epidemic Sound - Langvaga – by Strom

Hello and welcome to my book Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes December 20, 2022. It was a shock. It brought a number of thoughts, and fears, to the surface. It brought a sense of my life being at risk. As you will learn from this book, my perspective on diabetes was horrendously negative.My father was diagnosed as diabetic in his later years when I was a young lad, just taller than the knees of a grasshopper. It was the late 1960s. The situation was confusing and stressful for my parents. Information was limited and there was little technology or drugs except for insulin injections to help.Fast forward to my life in Canada where I met people who had succumbed to the complications of diabetes. I marvelled at their continued zest for life in spite of amputation, and loss of vision. Suddenly, diabetes was much more serious than I had seen with my father. Unfortunately, my experiences immediately after diagnosis, with everything from the pharmacy to the recommended websites generated a deep and depressing sense of impending darkness. Emotional support is a factor in diagnosis and sustaining a positive outlook. I had to reach inside for my strength.As a Reiki Master Teacher and Instructor, and, a White Shaman. I am used to my guiding spirits speaking to me and giving me guidance and help. Through this guidance and messages, I started to read and learn that Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed. The road tilted upwards, not down.I began to separate old, outdated and negative views of diabetic treatment from the new, current, positive, and proactive outlook. I could see I had to take responsibility for my lifestyle changes and the changes I had to make. There is new knowledge and understanding of diabetes that had to be applied and I had decisions to make.To be successful at reversing my Type 2 Diabetes my lifestyle changes had to be strictly applied. I would say, “Hard Core.” My ultimate goal was to be off Metformin, my diabetes medication, and eventually for it to be optional to wear a CGM.I was diagnosed December 20, 2022. In April 2023 I had my first review with my doctor, the first test of how successful my Hard-Core lifestyle changes had been. My medication was cut 50%. In August 2023, a further review reduced my medication another 50%.It can be done. You need perseverance. Clear thinking and a strong will. Read on to find out more and how.This is my store, my journey … my experiences Reversing my Type 2 diabetes.