Thread by @RuthTapsell

A thread about covid & how improving our metabolic health might help👇

I'm an NHS GP with an interest in T2 diabetes.

It's been clear since early in the pandemic that people with poor metabolic health, particularly T2D, obesity & high BP are at an increased risk.

1/10

Suspicious that SARS-CoV-2 thrives in elevated blood sugar, I've been advising my patients to make some simple dietary changes:

1. CUT OUT SUGAR
2. AVOID PROCESSED FOOD (it's high in sugar & other unhealthy stuff)
3. REDUCE CARBS (carbs convert to sugar in the body)

2/10

I've seen some really impressive results:

❤️Reduced Blood Pressure
💉 Improved Blood Sugar
⚖️ significant weight improvement

Some have put their T2D into remission 👏

I'm hopeful their improved metabolic health will reduce their risk of severe infection 💪

3/10

So what are they eating?

Whole, unprocessed food that's high in nutrients, including vitamin D, that are important for an effective immune system.

It's a varied, tasty, satisfying, affordable, nutritious way of eating.

4/10

#lockdown2

Many people are understandably frustrated with the curtailment of their way of life, their ability to earn a living & interact with friends/family.

The vulnerable people these measures aim to protect have been left with no helpful plan for how to "stay safe"

5/10

Yet it seems obvious that if we all, and especially the most vulnerable in our society, improve our health, we might be less vulnerable.

Metabolic health can start to improve WITHIN WEEKS

Might this reduce the number of serious infections & keep pressure off the NHS?

6/10

I'm hopeful for an effective & safe vaccine, but in the meantime, why not get ourselves & our patients in better shape by taking the following steps?

🍭🍔Avoid sugar/processed food
🚶‍♀️Take a bit of exercise every day
🍃🦆Connect with nature
🛌😴Aim to sleep 7-8 hours/night

7/10

There's lots of help available.

@PHCukorg is a charity dedicated to improving public health away from the influence of the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries.

See below a growing team of ambassadors already helping people improve their health

8/10

phcuk.org/ambassadors/

#deprescribing

Some meds for T2D/BP need reducing soon/immediately following significant dietary changes
(mainly insulin, gliclazide, gliflozins)

If this applies to you, please discuss with your GP.

If you're a GP 👀👇

9/10

bjgp.org/content/69/684…

For more support/information/food ideas:
@DietDoctor
@ditchthe_carbs
@paleowithmrsp
@paleocanteen
@Diabetescouk
@RethinkCake
@LowCarbProgram
@thehealthdaddy
@UKLowCarbPod

If you've read this far, thanks 🙏

10/10