Recent research highlights that while Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, it can go into remission.
What does that mean, and how can you do it?
Dr. James Lee at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care helps patients throughout Woodstock, Georgia, manage their chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. Here, he explains what Type 2 diabetes is, what it means to go into remission, and practical steps you can take to reverse your condition.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you probably know a lot about it already, but a refresher course never hurts.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning it’s ongoing. At its core, it affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose).
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce any insulin at all, Type 2 diabetes is about insulin resistance. Your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates sugar in your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Researchers don’t know the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes, but several factors contribute to its development.
Genetics plays a role, so having family members with diabetes increases your risk. Lifestyle factors can also trigger the onset of Type 2 diabetes. For example, poor diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight are major risk factors.
The most common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more severe problems, like nerve damage and vision loss.
While Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, it can enter remission.
Complete remission means your glucose levels return to the nondiabetes range, while partial remission denotes glucose levels falling to pre-diabetes levels.
Achieving remission requires significant lifestyle changes, primarily focusing on weight loss.
Remission isn’t a cure because it’s not permanent.
Even if your glucose levels return to normal, the underlying genetic issues and damaged beta cells remain. Over time, Type 2 diabetes may reassert itself, especially if you gain weight or revert to your old eating habits.
Now, for the part you’ve been waiting for — how to reverse Type 2 diabetes. It’s not easy, but it’s possible, and we can help. Here’s how to get started.
Weight loss is the primary means to achieve remission in Type 2 diabetes. You don’t have to follow a specific diet; what matters is creating a calorie deficit to shed excess weight.
Everyone with diabetes must manage their diet, but to reverse Type 2 diabetes, you have to do more than just manage food — you have to eat less. Consuming fewer calories lowers blood sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance.
Fast food is your enemy. If you want to reverse your Type 2 diabetes, go for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates.
You can’t achieve diabetes remission without moving your body. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, so get out and walk, swim, cycle, dance, or whatever you love to do. Shoot for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels, weight, and dietary habits, so you can make adjustments and stay motivated on your journey to remission. Use a journal or digital app to log your progress.
While lifestyle changes are crucial, Dr. Lee may prescribe medications like metformin to help manage your blood sugar levels and support your weight loss efforts.
For some, bariatric surgery may be a viable option. This surgical procedure helps with significant weight loss, which can lead to diabetes remission. It’s typically considered when other weight loss methods have proven unsuccessful.
Managing and reversing Type 2 diabetes should always be done under medical supervision. Dr. Lee provides personalized guidance, monitors your progress, and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
Get help reversing your Type 2 diabetes. Call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care or book online.
