Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

UNDERSTANDING DIABETES REVERSAL

It’s important to note that “Diabetes Reversal” is not the correct term to be used because reversal means a permanent cure, which is not possible in diabetes. Hence, the right term to use is “Diabetes remission” which means normalizing blood sugar levels to the point where someone with diabetes can manage their condition without the need for medication.

WHO CAN ACHIEVE DIABETES REMISSION?

Remission is typically only possible in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) , especially if diagnosed early, while Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

KEY STRATEGIES FOR DIABETES REMISSION

a) DIETARY CHANGES – Low-Calorie Diets: Research shows that very low-calorie diets (e.g., 800-1000 calories daily) can significantly reduce liver and pancreatic fat, helping normalize blood glucose levels. But such diets are not sustainable for long time, hence long term benefits are not known.

– Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Reducing carb intake helps lower blood sugar spikes and can improve insulin sensitivity.

– Intermittent Fasting (Time- Restricted Eating): Limiting eating to a specific window each day (e.g., 8 hours) can help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels and promote weight loss. If you want to try fasting, you should work with your endocrinologist and nutritionist so you get the right information and support to do it safely.

b) PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

– Regular Exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and aids weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

– Strength Training: Building muscle mass through resistance training can also help the body use insulin more effectively. Aim for strength training at least 2-3 days a week

c) WEIGHT LOSS

– Sustained Weight Loss: Studies show that losing even 10-15% of body weight can help achieve remission in people with Type 2 diabetes.

– Bariatric Surgery: In some cases, especially for those with a high BMI, bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and, in many cases, diabetes remission. This type of surgery helps you lose weight by changing your stomach and digestive system to limit how much you can eat. Bariatric surgery is generally an option when your BMI is at least 27 and if you have a weight-related health problem such as diabetes. It works best for people who’ve had the disease for 5 years or less and don’t use insulin.

– Anti-obesity medicines: A class of medicines called GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and GLP-1 and GIP dual agonists (tirzepatide) can help lose up to 15-20% of body weight. In the case of a relatively short duration of T2DM, the weight loss caused by these medicines alone may be sufficient to achieve diabetes remission, and combination therapy could maintain remission. Significant weight loss and glucose normalization even after stopping medicines can help to maintain diabetes remission.

CHALLENGES IN ACHIEVING DIABETES REMISSION

– Sustainability: Maintaining a low-calorie or low-carb diet, significant weight loss, and regular exercise requires ongoing commitment and support.

– Individual Variability: Not everyone responds to remission strategies the same way; factors like genetics, duration of diabetes, and overall health play a role.

– Monitoring and Medical Supervision: Attempting remission strategies, especially extreme dietary changes, should be done under medical supervision to avoid hypoglycemia or other health risks.

6. IS DIABETES REMISSION PERMANENT?

– Risk of Relapse: Diabetes remission may be maintained as long as lifestyle changes are sustained, but if one returns to old habits, blood sugar levels may rise again.

– Regular Monitoring Needed: Even after achieving remission, regular blood sugar testing is essential to catch any signs of rising levels.

– Weight loss is the key for diabetes remission. While diabetes remission is possible for many people with Type 2 diabetes, it requires dedication to lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and weight management. Not everyone will achieve remission, but significant improvements in blood sugar levels and health are possible.

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