While there is no permanent cure for Type 2 Diabetes, it is possible for some people to achieve remission. Remission means that blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetic range long-term without the need for glucose-lowering medication.
Here's a breakdown of what that means and how it can be achieved:
What is Type 2 Diabetes Remission?
* Remission is defined as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels (an HbA1c below 6.5% or 48mmol/mol) for at least three months without diabetes medication.
* It essentially "stops diabetes in its tracks" and can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
* While often referred to as "reversal," some health experts prefer "remission" because there's no guarantee the diabetes won't return.
How Can Remission Be Achieved?
The most significant factor in achieving Type 2 Diabetes remission is weight loss. This is because excess fat around organs like the liver and pancreas can hinder their ability to process insulin effectively.
Effective strategies include:
* Low-Calorie Diets (LCDs) and Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs): These diets, often consisting of 800-900 calories a day, can lead to significant weight loss and have been shown to put Type 2 Diabetes into remission for many individuals. Some studies have shown remission in as little as 8-12 weeks with VLCDs.
* Bariatric Surgery: This type of surgery helps with weight loss by altering the stomach and digestive system. It can lead to diabetes reversal in a high percentage of patients, with some research suggesting it may also impact gut hormones that help control blood glucose.
* Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Reducing carbohydrate intake can also be an effective way to achieve remission.
* Regular Exercise: Alongside dietary changes, consistent physical activity is crucial.
* Fasting: Some small studies have explored therapeutic fasting as a way to help reverse Type 2 Diabetes.
Important Considerations:
* Remission needs to be maintained through continued healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise.
* Even in remission, the risk of diabetes and related complications can persist, so ongoing check-ups are important.
* Losing weight as soon as possible after a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis increases the likelihood of remission. However, remission can still be achieved years after diagnosis.
The NHS in the UK offers a "Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme" based on research showing the effectiveness of low-calorie total diet replacement products.