Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) cannot be reversed, but in some cases, it can go into remission.1 Remission usually involves reducing A1C to the level of someone without diabetes, which can reduce or eliminate the need for diabetic medications and treatments.2 It’s important to note that this remission is not always permanent and it is not a viable outcome for everyone.
For some people living with type 2 diabetes losing weight may help move T2D into remission.1 This can come in the form of diet and exercise changes, or bariatric surgery in extreme cases. Your doctor will have the best advice for your specific case, so be sure to discuss diabetes remission with a healthcare professional before making any big changes.
Remission is possible if you lose weight soon after your diabetes diagnosis.1
1. Lean MEJ, Leslie WS, Barnes AC, Brosnahan N, Thom G, McCombie L, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT): an open-label, cluster-randomised trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10120):541-551.
2. Buse JB, Caprio S, Cefalu WT, Ceriello A, Del Prato S, Inzucchi SE, et al. How do we define cure of diabetes? Diabetes Care. 2009;32(11):2133-5.
2. Buse JB, Caprio S, Cefalu WT, Ceriello A, Del Prato S, Inzucchi SE, et al. How do we define cure of diabetes? Diabetes Care. 2009;32(11):2133-5.
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