How I Reversed My Type 2 Diabetes – Matt’s Story
Matt Schmidt's inspiring journey from type 2 diabetes diagnosis to remission through diet, exercise, and mindset shifts.
Type 2 diabetes remission is achievable for many through targeted lifestyle changes. Matt Schmidt, a father and diabetes life insurance advisor, shares his journey from prediabetes to formal diagnosis and eventual reversal, proving it’s possible to regain control without lifelong medication.
Matt’s story
Matt Schmidt founded Diabetes Life Solutions to help people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) secure life insurance, inspired by his father’s struggles. At age 36, Matt entered prediabetes range. By 38, he received a T2D diagnosis and started metformin. Despite prior activity, family history loomed large: “A diagnosis was always on my mind.”
Matt refused to let genetics dictate his future. His proactive approach—combining medication, community support, and radical lifestyle shifts—led to remission. This story highlights that T2D isn’t inevitably permanent; remission means blood sugar below diabetic thresholds without drugs.
Trying my best with prediabetes
For 18 months pre-diagnosis, Matt immersed in diabetes communities on Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook. “I was a sponge, absorbing tips from people worldwide,” he recalls. Social media provided global insights when local advice fell short.
He followed doctor’s orders: regular exercise, healthy eating. Yet HbA1c—a key blood sugar average over 3 months—rose steadily. “Frustrating,” Matt says. “You think you’re doing everything right, but your body doesn’t respond.” This underscores prediabetes progression despite efforts; up to 70% convert to T2D without intervention.
- Key actions: Daily workouts, balanced meals, community research.
- Challenge: Rising HbA1c despite compliance.
- Lesson: Standard advice insufficient for some; deeper changes needed.
Embracing my diagnosis
Diagnosis at 38 brought clarity, not defeat. “I embraced it,” Matt states. “It opened my eyes—I’m not invincible.” Positivity fueled action: manage or overcome T2D, don’t let it control life.
Metformin complemented efforts, reducing liver sugar release. Familiar from his father and communities, it lowered blood sugar post-45 days. “Trial and error in meds, but I trusted it,” he notes. Mindset shift was pivotal: challenge accepted.
Tackling my diet
Diet catalyzed reversal. Matt slashed fast food, boosted vegetables, embraced meal planning. Skipping breakfast led to unhealthy snacking; now, healthy starts energized him.
Alcohol cut dramatically: from casual 8-10 weekly drinks to minimal. “Eyes opened to hidden intake,” he says. Within 60 days, bodily changes emerged—better energy, control.
| Before Changes | After Changes |
|---|---|
| Fast food frequent | Vegetable-heavy meals |
| Skipped breakfast | Nutritious breakfast daily |
| 8-10 drinks/week | Minimal alcohol |
| Impulsive snacking | Weekly meal prep |
These shifts dropped HbA1c dramatically, paving remission path.
Getting more active
Exercise intensified: weightlifting 6x/week, weekend cardio. Consistency built habits. “Sustainable routines over extremes,” Matt advises. This boosted insulin sensitivity, aiding sugar control.
- Weight sessions: Full-body, progressive overload.
- Cardio: Brisk walks, hikes for fat burn.
- Benefits: Muscle gain, metabolic health.
Regular check-ups
Matt stresses annual check-ups: HbA1c, cholesterol, blood pressure, eye/kidney/foot exams. Early detection prevents complications like neuropathy, retinopathy.
Post-changes, metrics normalized: HbA1c 5.4% (non-diabetic <5.7%), off meds 2+ years. “Check-ups confirm progress,” he says.
Understanding remission
Remission: HbA1c <6.5% off meds >3 months. Not cured—relapse risk exists—but sustainable. Matt monitors via CGM, maintains habits.
Virta Health studies show 60% remission at year 1 via low-carb, coaching. NHS supports remission via 15kg loss in 6 months for early cases.
Matt’s tips for remission
Practical advice from experience:
- Mindset: Embrace diagnosis positively.
- Diet: Prioritize protein/veggies, plan meals, eat breakfast.
- Exercise: Strength + cardio consistently.
- Alcohol: Track and reduce.
- Monitoring: Home tests, regular doctor visits.
- Support: Communities for motivation.
Staying in remission
Habits persist: meal prep, workouts, check-ups. Holidays? Portion control, activity. Weight stable at 195lbs (14st 1lbs), leaner build.
“Remission is maintenance,” Matt emphasizes. Relapse risks high without vigilance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
A: Yes, remission—HbA1c below 6.5% off medication—is possible for many, especially early diagnosis, via sustained lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Q: How long did it take Matt to reverse his diabetes?
A: About 12-18 months of consistent changes; HbA1c normalized, meds stopped.
Q: What diet changes were most effective?
A: Cutting fast food/alcohol, adding veggies/protein, meal planning, breakfast daily led to quick improvements.
Q: Is exercise essential for remission?
A: Absolutely; weightlifting and cardio improved insulin sensitivity, key for Matt’s success.
Q: Do I need medication forever?
A: No, many achieve remission and stop meds, but monitor closely to stay off them.
Q: What’s HbA1c, and what’s a good level?
A: 3-month blood sugar average; <5.7% normal, 5.7-6.4% prediabetes, ≥6.5% diabetes. Remission target: <6.5% off meds.
Q: Can remission be permanent?
A: Possible with lifelong habits, but not guaranteed; regular monitoring essential.
Final Thoughts
Matt’s story inspires: T2D remission demands commitment but rewards freedom. Consult doctors before changes; personalize based on health.
References
- How I reversed my type 2 diabetes – Matt’s story — Patient.info. 2023. https://patient.info/features/diabetes/how-i-reversed-my-type-2-diabetes-matts-story
- Patient Education in Managing Diabetes — NCBI Bookshelf (Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment). 2010 (authoritative review on diabetes management). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/n/sbu195/pdf/
- Diabetes remission – NHS — National Health Service (UK). 2024-10-15. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/treatment/
- Remission of Type 2 Diabetes: Always More Questions, but Enough Answers for Action — American Diabetes Association (Diabetes Care Journal). 2023-05-01. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/5/915/148545
- Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes — American Diabetes Association. 2021-04-01. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/44/10/2438/138556
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