From the Guidelines
Diabetes can be reversed in some cases, particularly with significant weight loss, through lifestyle changes and interventions that improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control. According to a recent study published in Diabetologia in 2022 1, a non-diabetic state can be restored for 2 years for 70–80% of people with type 2 diabetes by interventions that maintain over 10 kg weight loss. This suggests that diabetes remission is possible with sustained weight loss and lifestyle modifications.
Some key factors that contribute to the reversal of diabetes include:
- Weight loss, which improves insulin sensitivity and reduces ectopic fat accumulation in the liver, pancreas, and muscle
- Regular exercise, which enhances glucose uptake and improves insulin sensitivity
- A healthy diet low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Medications like metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or SGLT2 inhibitors, which can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control
It's essential to note that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin therapy and cannot be reversed 1. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes can often be controlled and sometimes put into remission with lifestyle changes and interventions. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and ongoing medical supervision are crucial regardless of diabetes type or management approach.
The benefits of weight loss and lifestyle modifications for diabetes management are well-supported by evidence, including a study published in Diabetes Care in 2003 1, which demonstrated a 58% relative reduction in the incidence of diabetes with intensive lifestyle interventions. However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the potential reversal of diabetes with significant weight loss and lifestyle changes.
From the Research
Reversing Diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes has long been considered an incurable chronic disease, but recent research suggests that reversal is possible through various means, including bariatric surgery, low-calorie diets, and carbohydrate restriction 2.
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) recommend a low-carbohydrate eating pattern and support the short-term use of low-calorie diets for weight loss, which can help reverse type 2 diabetes 2.
- A study found that the number one research priority for people with type 2 diabetes is to determine if the condition can be cured or reversed, and if so, what is the best way to achieve this 3.
Methods of Reversal
- Bariatric surgery has been shown to be an effective method for reversing type 2 diabetes, with long-term stable β-cell function possible if weight regain is prevented 3, 4.
- Low-calorie diets, including very low-calorie diets, can also lead to rapid weight loss and β-cell recovery, making diabetes remission possible 4, 5.
- Reducing calories and reversing obesity are key to diabetes reversal, as excess fat in the liver and pancreas impairs β-cell function 4, 5.
- Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and exercise regime, can also be effective in reversing type 2 diabetes 6.