Type 2 diabetes can be reversed or put into remission through significant lifestyle changes, weight loss, diet modifications, and sometimes medication or surgery. Research and clinical trials as recent as 2025 show that about 44-46% of people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission by following calorie-restricted diets combined with medications like dapagliflozin, or through bariatric surgery and sustained weight loss. Remission means maintaining normal blood sugar levels without diabetes medication for a prolonged period, although it does not mean a cure, as diabetes can return if lifestyle changes are not maintained.
Methods to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes
- Calorie-Restricted Diets : Very low-calorie diets (around 625-850 calories per day) can lead to remission in about half of the participants within a year, particularly effective if diabetes duration is short and weight loss (30+ pounds) is achieved.
- Medication : Drugs like dapagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) and GLP-1 agonists can help with weight loss and glucose control, improving remission rates.
- Bariatric Surgery : Surgery such as gastric sleeve surgery can reverse diabetes in 60-70% of eligible patients by inducing substantial and sustained weight loss.
- Weight Loss : Sustained weight loss of approximately 15 kg (33 pounds) or more is linked with remission, emphasizing the importance of early intervention after diagnosis.
Important Considerations
- Diabetes remission depends heavily on how long the person has had diabetes, existing health conditions, and the degree of weight loss and lifestyle adherence.
- Remission is not a cure; continuous management and lifestyle maintenance are essential to prevent relapse.
- Healthcare providers are encouraged to educate patients about these options as alternatives to just managing diabetes with medication.
In summary, while type 2 diabetes cannot be completely cured, it can indeed be reversed or put into remission through a combination of weight loss, diet changes, medication, or surgery, especially when addressed early and with sustained effort.
