If you or a loved one has type 2 diabetes, then you understand that it means that the body does not use insulin properly. In the beginning, the pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it but over time a pancreas can't keep up and the blood glucose levels are no longer normal. This is when a person must be treated with oral medications, insulin, and in some cases, lifestyle changes can also help.

When glucose builds up in the blood as opposed to going into cells, it can cause a few issues. Cells are starved for energy and these high blood glucose levels can hurt kidneys, eyes, and even the heart. Some people can control the blood glucose by eating healthy foods and exercising. The problem is that type 2 diabetes can get worse over time, so it's best to get a handle on it as soon as possible.

Recently a few pharmacists are helping their type 2 diabetic patients by urging them to try the ketogenic diet and it's working quite well.

HARLINGEN – Even though they’re in the business of selling drugs, two pharmacists in Harlingen are using a special diet to get their Type 2 diabetic patients off of insulin. They tell us it’s working.

“My goal is not to keep patients sick,” explained Dr. Michael Muniz of Muniz Rio Grande Pharmacy. “I want to get patients healthy again. That’s what health care is about right? Healthcare practitioner’s help patients get better back to a normal life.”

The doctors tell CHANNEL 5 NEWS a large percentage of their patients are diabetic.

“That’s across the (Rio Grande) Valley,” explained Bobby. “We have across the nation, probably one of the highest rates of diabetes in South Texas.”

They say while you can never get rid of diabetes, the ketogenic diet can help reduce the symptoms. They’re already seeing the changes in their patients.

“I have, I believe, 12 to 15 patients that came in that were diabetic that are down to just one medication,” said Michael.

He says those patients transitioned to the Keto diet.

Michael says in two years on the diet, he’s lost 85 pounds of fat. He says that transformation was inspiring to one of his diabetic patients.

That patient ended up going for it, you can see his results. The patient did not want to go on camera but did speak to CHANNEL 5 NEWS privately about how the diet changed his life.

“He’s lost probably about 80 pounds. I think he’s probably lost more now,” said Michael. “And his insulins. We got him off of insulin in three months, actually, one of his rapid-acting insulins that he would take right before he ate. He was taking about 200 units and we were able to get him off of that within two weeks.”

They say keto is not only helping him save his body but his money too.

It's incredible that by committing to the keto diet that patients have begun to see results and even get off of type 2 diabetes medication. This is just one example of how the keto diet is helping people with health problems get healthy and get out of the danger zone.

Since the keto diet has worked so well for the pharmacists, it's no wonder they recommended it to their patients. It's a good thing these patients took their advice – because it seems like their dedication is paying off. The pharmacists want their patients to get healthy and argue that the keto diet is exactly how to do just that. Read more on KRGV.com.