Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body uses insulin and leads to high levels of blood sugar.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?
According to recent research studies, certain treatments can lead to complete or partial remission of diabetes. Complete remission means blood sugar levels return to a normal, non-diabetic range. Partial remission means blood sugar levels return to a range considered prediabetic.
The best way for someone with type 2 diabetes to go into complete remission is by losing and maintaining a healthy weight.
Being in remission does not mean you are cured. Remission is not permanent. Even if you keep blood sugar levels at a normal range:
- You still have diabetes.
- The cells that are affected by diabetes are still damaged.
A Healthy Diet and Overall Lifestyle
People who get used to a healthy routine and set realistic eating and exercise goals are more likely to go into remission.
Consider the following tips for a healthier way of life:
Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods that are high in fiber, low in fat, and low in calories. Have plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains or cereals.
Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes a day of moderate or vigorous aerobic activity. You can walk briskly, ride a bike, run, or swim.
Maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight can stop prediabetes from advancing to type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, losing 7% to 10% of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes.
Avoid inactivity. Staying inactive for long periods of time can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to stand up every 30 minutes and move around for a few minutes.
Take care of your mental health. Relaxation exercises, such as meditation or yoga, can also help you manage anxiety or stress. Going for walks and spending time outdoors and in nature can also contribute to your physical and emotional well-being.
The key to losing weight is finding an eating plan and activity regimen that best fits your lifestyle. You don’t have to follow a strict diet. Simply make healthy food choices that you can stick with for a lifetime.
Obstacles That Keep Hispanic People From Going Into Remission
The Hispanic community faces extra barriers that can affect their treatment. For example, it’s not likely for people to follow their treatment plans or make lifestyle changes if:
- They can’t communicate clearly with their doctor.
- Their doctor doesn’t understand their values and preferences.
The Benefits of Trying to Go Into Remission
Eating well and being physically active most days of the week can help you:
- Keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check
- Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight
- Prevent complications related to diabetes
- Feel good and have more energy
Maintaining a healthy weight can help you:
- Take fewer medicines
- Have better blood sugar levels
- Have a lower risk of complications
The changes you make to your diet and lifestyle can have a positive effect on your loved ones. Hispanic families often share meals together. If someone has to change what they eat to manage diabetes, it can affect the whole family.
Your lifestyle changes can be an opportunity for your family to make healthy changes in their lives as well. It’s also a good opportunity to set a good example for children. They can learn healthy eating habits at an early age, which gives them a head start toward trying to reduce the risk of diabetes in their future.
Programs That Can Help You and Keep You Motivated
For help with day-to-day diabetes care, ask your doctor for a referral to diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services.
This program can help you keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels under control.
As part of the program, you work with a diabetes care and education specialist who can help you learn how to manage your diabetes. This includes taking your medicines, planning healthy meals, and exercising regularly.
Diabetes self-management education and support services help people:
- Learn practical skills
- Gain confidence
- Get support
Everyone who has diabetes can benefit from DSMES services, not just those who’ve been recently diagnosed but also those who’ve had diabetes for years.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: E+/Getty Images
SOURCES:
American Diabetes Association: “Tackling Stigma: Diabetes and Mental Health.”
The British Diabetic Association: Diabetes UK: “Reversing Type 2 Diabetes.”
CDC: “Diabetes and Mental Health, National Diabetes Prevention Program,” “About the National DPP,” “The Diabetes Journey to Purpose,” “Hispanic or Latino People and Type 2 Diabetes.”
Joslin Diabetes Center: “Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed?”
Mayo Clinic: “Type 2 Diabetes.”
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: “Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP),” “Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity.”
Nutrients: “Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review of the Evidence.”
Yale Medicine: “Prediabetes Is on the Rise—But It Can Be Reversed.”
