Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Although type 2 diabetes has no cure, shedding pounds can help you manage it. In cases where an individual has only had the disease for a few years, studies show that weight loss may make it possible to reach and hold normal blood sugar levels without medication.

Here’s what works:

A Low-Calorie Diet

Two studies had participants follow a (mostly liquid) diet of 625 to 850 calories a day for 2 to 5 months. This was followed by a less restrictive diet designed to help keep off the pounds. 

In both the studies, it was found that nearly half of the participants were able to reverse their diabetes. Their blood glucose stayed close to the normal range for at least 6 to 12 months.

Most of the participants who were successful lost 30 pounds or more and hadn’t had diabetes as long as those who weren’t. That is why it is crucial to begin a weight loss plan as soon you’re diagnosed. 

Take note, however, that this type of diet is extreme and requires working with a professional. 

How It Works

In type 2 diabetes, cells that control your blood sugar stop functioning correctly. Doctors were so far under the impression that they were shut down for good.

However, this study proves otherwise. Research shows that the people who lost weight had lower levels of fat stored in their pancreas. For some of them, that revived the beta cells that release insulin and control blood sugar. However, the chances of rescuing those cells are the best in the early stages. 

Combined with changes to your diet, exercise will also help put you on the path to remission.

Bariatric surgery is another option, but only when your BMI is 35 or higher. Apart from helping you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat, it may also help reverse diabetes in other ways, although medical experts do not yet know exactly why.

An upwards of three-quarters of people see their diabetes reversed after bariatric surgery, according to researchers. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have better long-term results, especially for people who’ve had type 2 diabetes for less than 5 years and haven’t used insulin.