Type 2 diabetes can go into remission with lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and dietary changes. Type 1 diabetes can’t be reversed, but it can be effectively managed with insulin therapy, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity.
Can Diabetes Be Reversed?
For those diagnosed with diabetes, be it type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, a common question is “can it be reversed”? According to a diabetologist at WIINS Hospital in Kolhapur, the answer depends on the type of diabetes.
To know if diabetes is reversible, let’s first understand what diabetes is and how it occurs.
Understanding Diabetes
Normally, your pancreas produces insulin that moves glucose from your bloodstream to the cells, where it’s used for energy. Diabetes occurs when your pancreas, which is supposed to release just the right amount of insulin, stops producing enough insulin, or your body’s cells become resistant to it.
As a result, glucose remains in your bloodstream, causing a spike in blood sugar level. Persistently high blood sugar can damage your tiny blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, increasing the risk of long-term health complications such as vision problems and kidney disease.
Can Diabetes be Reversed?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed. It’s an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in very little or no insulin production.
Since it isn’t caused by your diet or lifestyle, there’s no cure for type 1 diabetes. However, it can still be managed with a balanced diet, regular blood sugar monitoring, and physical activity.
Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can go into remission, especially if the condition is diagnosed promptly. Normally, your cells respond to insulin by opening up to take in the glucose. In type 2 diabetes, cells stop responding to insulin.
A common contributing factor is the increased buildup of fat around your liver and pancreas. So, losing fat alone may be enough for some people with recently discovered type 2 diabetes to go into remission.
What Can Reverse Diabetes?
Apart from weight loss, a few other factors can help you manage diabetes or even achieve remission.
Balanced Eating
Diabetic patients often rely on specific, diabetes-friendly diets to control their blood sugar levels. The goal is to lose weight, which is typically an underlying factor that contributes to insulin resistance. Low-carb diet, Mediterranean diet, and high-fiber meals are the best examples.
Physical Activity
Moving your muscles is another effective way to improve insulin sensitivity. The more you use your muscles, the more they use glucose. This reduces sugar in your bloodstream. Besides, exercises cut body fat, especially when combined with balanced meals. This helps you shed those stubborn pounds.
Extremely Low Calorie Diets
Some people start very-low-calorie diets when advised by a diabetologist, as part of diabetic treatment in Kolhapur. This results in rapid weight loss, which increases the chances of remission. However, it’s only recommended under strict medical supervision.
With type 2 diabetes, you can achieve remission, but that doesn’t mean the disease has gone for good. The blood sugar levels can spike again if you don’t pay attention to your diet, lifestyle, and other underlying factors.
