How can you reverse type 2 diabetes? Explore the key strategies, including low-calorie diets, exercise, bariatric surgery, and fasting. Discover the latest research and insights on managing and potentially reversing this chronic condition.

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

While there is no outright cure for type 2 diabetes, studies have shown that it is possible for some individuals to reverse the condition through a combination of dietary changes, weight loss, and other interventions. Reversing type 2 diabetes means achieving normal blood sugar levels without the need for medication, though the disease remains an ongoing concern with the potential for symptoms to return.

The Power of Weight Loss

The key to reversing type 2 diabetes appears to be significant weight loss. Studies in England have found that following a very low-calorie diet of 625-850 calories per day for 2-5 months, followed by a less restrictive diet to help maintain the weight loss, can help nearly half of participants achieve remission and maintain normal blood glucose levels for at least 6 months to a year.

Those who were most successful in reversing their diabetes typically lost 30 pounds or more and had been diagnosed with the condition for a shorter period of time. This suggests that the earlier intervention occurs, the better the chances of reversing the disease.

The Role of Exercise

While weight loss is the primary driver of reversing type 2 diabetes, increased physical activity can also play a significant role. A study found that combining a modest, lower-calorie diet with a regimen of at least 10,000 steps per day and 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, along with specific insulin and medication management, led to more than half of participants achieving near-normal blood sugar levels without medication, with some maintaining those levels long-term.

Bariatric Surgery as a Solution

Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedures, can be an effective option for individuals with type 2 diabetes who are obese. These surgeries help facilitate significant weight loss by altering the stomach and digestive system, and research suggests that up to three-quarters of people who undergo these procedures see their diabetes reversed.

Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a BMI of at least 35 who have a weight-related health condition like diabetes. It tends to be most effective for those who have had the disease for 5 years or less and do not rely on insulin.

The Potential of Fasting

While not a mainstream treatment, a small study has found that therapeutic fasting, or going without food and caloric beverages for a set period, can potentially help reverse type 2 diabetes. Three participants in the study who followed a diet program of three 24-hour fasts per week saw their diabetes reversed.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of fasting on type 2 diabetes and its long-term feasibility as a treatment approach.

Exploring the Latest Insights

The research on reversing type 2 diabetes suggests that the condition is not necessarily irreversible, as was previously believed. By focusing on weight loss through dietary changes, exercise, and in some cases, bariatric surgery, it may be possible for some individuals to achieve remission and control their blood sugar without the need for medication.

However, it’s important to note that type 2 diabetes remains an ongoing condition, and the potential for symptoms to return is ever-present. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring are crucial for those who have successfully reversed the disease.

Takeaways

The key to reversing type 2 diabetes appears to be significant weight loss, which can be achieved through a variety of means, including low-calorie diets, exercise, and bariatric surgery. While not a guaranteed cure, these interventions have shown promising results in helping some individuals achieve remission and maintain normal blood sugar levels without medication.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances and to develop a comprehensive plan for managing your diabetes, whether through reversal or long-term management.