Faith, Health & Hoops

Community event offering a six-week diabetes reversal course

Community event offering a six-week diabetes reversal course

Local Diabetes Reversal Program

Negaunee Advances Its Fight Against Type 2 Diabetes with New Developments and Community Initiatives

Negaunee’s pioneering efforts to combat type 2 diabetes continue to gain momentum, driven by an innovative blend of community-led programs, cutting-edge scientific research, and expanding medical support. Building upon the success of the Diabetes Undone six-week course, recent breakthroughs—ranging from advanced diagnostics to new therapeutics—are empowering residents to take control of their health and move closer to reversing their diabetes.


The Heart of the Movement: The Diabetes Undone Program

Central to Negaunee’s strategy remains the Diabetes Undone course, spearheaded by esteemed expert Dr. Wes Youngberg. This comprehensive, evidence-based six-week program, hosted at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, offers participants a transformative experience that transcends traditional health education. Attendees gain practical tools such as:

  • A low-carbohydrate, nutrient-dense diet tailored for insulin sensitivity, with guidance reinforced by resources like the recent "If You’re 50+, These 20 Keto Foods REVERSE Insulin & Melt Belly Fat FAST" guide, emphasizing keto-friendly foods suitable for older adults.
  • Personalized physical activity routines designed to fit individual capabilities.
  • Techniques for improving sleep hygiene and stress management.
  • Safe fasting protocols, including intermittent fasting strategies backed by scientific research.
  • Advanced diagnostic tools, focusing on understanding the 10 critical blood tests and newer biomarkers such as bile acids, which influence insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.

Participation remains highly sought after, with upcoming cohorts filling quickly as community members recognize the potential for meaningful health transformation.


Integration of Advanced Diagnostics and Personalized Monitoring

A significant recent development has been the incorporation of state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques aligned with the 2026 updated blood-test guidelines. These include insights into metabolic biomarkers like bile acids, which research indicates play a vital role in regulating insulin responsiveness and fat burning.

Educational content, such as Dr. Ben Bikman’s "138: How Bile Controls Insulin, GLP-1, and Fat Burning,", helps community members understand the science behind bile regulation. This knowledge enables more personalized care, allowing participants to track improvements more precisely and adapt their strategies accordingly.


Breakthroughs in Medical Therapeutics: The Promise of Tirzepatide and GLP-1 Agonists

One of the most exciting recent advancements is the emergence of medications like tirzepatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which has demonstrated exceptional results in weight loss and glycemic control. Scientific presentations now confirm tirzepatide’s safety and efficacy even in complex cases—such as individuals with HIV—broadening its applicability.

A notable recent article titled "GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients" underscores how integrating these medications with lifestyle modifications can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease—a leading cause of mortality among diabetics.

This combination approach offers additional tools for residents seeking to reverse or achieve remission of their diabetes, making the path toward better health more accessible.


Inspiring Success Stories and Community Support

Local success stories continue to motivate others. For example, Charles Finlay experienced remarkable reversal of his diabetes after integrating lifestyle changes with medical guidance at the PCOM Hassman Family Medicine Center. His journey underscores the power of combining education, medical support, and personal dedication, reinforcing that reversing type 2 diabetes is an achievable goal for many in Negaunee.

The community’s collective progress has spurred the launch of Diabetes Connection, a new peer support group in partnership with Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH). Starting February 26 at 10 a.m., this group aims to provide ongoing support, education, and resource sharing to help residents sustain their health improvements and navigate chronic disease challenges.


Scientific Education Deepens: Bile Acids, Fasting, and Muscle Strength

Recent updates have enriched the scientific foundation of the community’s efforts:

  • Bile acid regulation is now a focal point, with educational content explaining how bile acids influence insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism—key factors in diabetes management.
  • The science of fasting, including Ramadan fasting, emphasizes how structured fasting can promote cellular repair and improve insulin response—supporting efforts toward prediabetes reversal. Safe fasting practices are emphasized to prevent adverse effects.
  • New content highlights the importance of muscle strength, particularly leg and overall muscle mass, in determining longevity. A recent YouTube video titled "Why Your Legs Determine How Long You Live (The Science Around Muscle)" explores how maintaining muscle mass is linked to health span and survival.

In addition, the community is now learning about the silent progression of diabetes and how GLP-1 drugs, combined with lifestyle changes, can reduce cardiovascular risks, further emphasizing a holistic health approach.


Practical Resources and New Supporting Content

The program offers diverse resources tailored to different age groups and needs:

  • Diet and meal guidance emphasizing keto-friendly options suitable for older adults.
  • Fasting science, with safe protocols and explanations of bile control’s role.
  • Educational content on metabolic mechanisms, including how bile acids influence insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.
  • Strength training tips, including exercises to preserve and build muscle, critical for longevity and mobility.

Emphasizing Safety and Evidence-Based Strategies

While community enthusiasm for natural remedies persists, health authorities continue to underscore the importance of evidence-based, medically supervised approaches. Recent advisories warn against unregulated supplements marketed as "miracle cures", which may pose health risks or interfere with existing medications.

The community’s approach remains rooted in scientifically validated methods—such as dietary modifications, fasting protocols, and approved medications—to ensure safety and maximum efficacy.


Current Status and Future Outlook

Registration for the next Diabetes Undone cohort remains open, attracting widespread interest from residents eager to embrace science-backed lifestyle changes. The community’s progress underscores a cultural shift: more individuals are recognizing that reversing type 2 diabetes is not only possible but achievable through personal commitment supported by community and medical resources.

Implications for Negaunee and Beyond:

  • The community’s model offers a blueprint for other towns seeking accessible, science-based solutions to the diabetes epidemic.
  • Success stories continue to inspire broader participation, creating a ripple effect of health improvements.
  • The integration of early diagnosis, education, and combined lifestyle and medical therapies promises a sustainable path toward widespread diabetes remission.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Negaunee exemplifies how community engagement, scientific innovation, and medical collaboration can redefine health trajectories. As Dr. Youngberg emphasizes, "Our goal is to give residents the tools they need to reclaim their health and potentially reverse their diabetes." The recent advances—including new medications like tirzepatide, advanced diagnostics, and expanding support networks—are making meaningful progress toward this vision.

Residents are encouraged to enroll early to access these resources. As Negaunee continues to lead in this vital effort, the goal of reversing type 2 diabetes comes into clearer focus—one person, one lifestyle change at a time.


Additional Resources & Articles

  • "Why Your Legs Determine How Long You Live (The Science Around Muscle)" — Explores the vital role of muscle strength in longevity.
  • "Why Diabetes Gets Worse Without You Knowing #diabetes #symptoms" — Highlights early signs and the importance of timely intervention.
  • "GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients" — Details how medication and lifestyle together can significantly lower heart disease risks.

Through unwavering community commitment, scientific rigor, and innovative medical support, Negaunee is forging a pathway toward a healthier, diabetes-free future. As new developments unfold, residents and health professionals alike remain optimistic that reversal is within reach for many, transforming the landscape of diabetes management for generations to come.

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Updated Feb 26, 2026