Reverse Type 2 Diabetes: Expert Tips For Achieving Remission

We don’t call it type 2 diabetes reversal, because this might sound like it’s permanent, and there’s no guarantee that your diabetes has gone forever. But yes, it may be possible to put your type 2 diabetes into remission. Type 2 diabetes remission is when your blood sugar levels are below the diabetes range and you don’t need to take diabetes medication anymore. There are many benefits of being in remission of type 2 diabetes, from everyday benefits like feeling better and having more energy, to long-term benefits like reducing your chances of developing diabetes-related health problems.

Want to know more about putting your diabetes into remission? Key questions include: What is type 2 diabetes remission? How do I go into remission? Where can I go for more support?

How do you reverse diabetes?

The strongest evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis. However, we do know of people who have put their diabetes into remission decades after diagnosis.

Explore the different ways you can try going into type 2 diabetes remission. Sustainable weight loss of around 10-15kg has shown remission rates of 46% at one year and 36% at two years in trials like DiRECT. Even partial weight loss brings health improvements, such as lower blood sugars and reduced medication needs.

• Very Low Energy Diets (VLEDs): Programs like soups and shakes in DiRECT achieved 10-15kg loss, leading to remission in many within 6 years of diagnosis.
• Intensive Lifestyle Changes: Combining diet, exercise, and support for ongoing weight management.
• Pharmacotherapy Support: Drugs aiding weight loss, especially in combination, can facilitate the necessary fat reduction.

At five years in DiRECT extensions, 13% remained in remission with sustained support, and intervention groups spent 27% of time in remission vs. 4% in controls.

How does diabetes reversal work?

The causes of type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex. But in many cases, it’s caused by a build-up of fat inside the liver and pancreas. Evidence shows that reducing the build-up of this intra-organ fat can put your type 2 diabetes into remission.

Research from Newcastle University, pivotal in DiRECT, revealed that as little as 0.5g of excess toxic fat in the pancreas disrupts beta-cell function, halting insulin production. Clearing this fat restores normal function. Liver fat also impairs glucose regulation. Weight loss targets this ectopic fat, allowing organs to resume healthy blood sugar control.

Traditionally viewed as irreversible, type 2 diabetes progression to insulin dependence occurs in over 50% within 9-10 years without intervention. New evidence challenges this, showing remission (normoglycaemia for at least 3 months off meds) is achievable.

What is type 2 diabetes remission?

Type 2 diabetes remission is when your long-term blood sugars fall below the diabetes level (HbA1c <48mmol/mol or 6.5%) and stay there for at least three months, without the need for glucose-lowering medications. International experts confirm this criteria.

Remission differs from cure: diabetes hasn’t gone away completely, so ongoing checks are essential for complications like heart disease or neuropathy.

Is remission the same as ‘reversing’ my diabetes?

We know many people say ‘reversing’ their type 2 diabetes instead of remission but experts prefer remission. Your diabetes has not gone away completely so you still need your checks. Two main reasons: risk of relapse with weight regain, and persistent underlying risks.

Benefits of type 2 diabetes remission

Achieving remission improves daily life and long-term health:

• Increased energy and better mood.
• Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney issues, and vision loss.
• Less reliance on medications, potentially lowering side effects.
• Overall weight and metabolic health gains, even if remission lapses.

DiRECT showed intervention groups had lower weights, less medication, and more time with normal blood sugars.

Who can achieve remission?

Remission is more likely early post-diagnosis (within 6 years), with sufficient weight loss (10-15kg), and shorter diabetes duration. However, it’s possible later or with less loss in normal-weight individuals by targeting minimal pancreas fat.

Even if overweight isn’t extreme, reducing liver/pancreas fat helps. ReTUNE study extended this to lower BMI patients. Insulin users or long-duration cases face challenges but can succeed with persistence.

Reversing other types of diabetes

We get lots of questions about whether you can reverse other types of diabetes or put them into remission.

• Type 1 diabetes: Cannot be reversed or put into remission, as it’s autoimmune beta-cell destruction.
• Gestational diabetes: Often resolves post-pregnancy, but lifestyle prevents type 2 progression.
• LADA/MODY: Specific genetic forms; management varies, remission unlikely.

Can you reverse prediabetes?

Prediabetes features elevated blood sugars not yet diagnostic of type 2. It’s reversible: diet changes, activity, and weight loss (if overweight) can normalize levels, preventing progression.

How to go into remission: Practical steps

Primary route: substantial, sustained weight loss via:

1. Low-calorie diets: 800-1200kcal/day VLEDs for 3-5 months, then stepped food reintroduction.
2. Support programs: NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, inspired by DiRECT.
3. Exercise: Combine with diet for maintenance.
4. Monitoring: Regular HbA1c checks; consult healthcare teams.

Challenges: Weight regain common post-2 years; ongoing support key for 13% 5-year remission. Early intervention maximizes odds.

Pharmacotherapy’s role

While lifestyle leads, meds like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide) aid weight loss. Intensive short-term insulin can induce early remission. Guidelines lag but evidence grows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is type 2 diabetes remission permanent?

No, it’s not guaranteed forever; weight regain can cause relapse, but benefits persist.

How much weight loss is needed?

Around 10-15kg for many, but varies; even less helps normal-weight individuals.

Can I achieve remission on insulin?

Possible but harder; stop insulin under supervision after fat loss.

What if I regain weight?

You haven’t failed—health gains remain; retry for re-remission.

Where to get support?

NHS programmes, Diabetes UK resources, or ReTUNE/DiRECT-inspired plans.

Consult professionals before starting. Research continues to refine approaches.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to renewcure,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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