Recently, a study from the Human Nutrition Research Centre at Newcastle University discovered that adults with “type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 21 kg/m2 to 27 kg/m2” have a “high likelihood of diabetes remission if they lose 10% of their starting weight.”
A Study of Diabetes Remission: Is diabetes remission possible?
The question : What does it take for type 2 diabetes remission?
Researchers looked at twenty adults–over half women–with type 2 diabetes with an average age of 59 years and a healthy BMI range. Over 46 weeks, these adults underwent three cycles of 5% weight loss and followed a strict low-calorie diet of 800 daily. This diet included an intake of low-starch vegetables and meal replacements.
Researchers at the Human Nutrition Research Centre compared the weight loss results of those with type 2 diabetes with twenty adults without type 2 diabetes (matched by age, sex, and BMI levels).
Latest Research on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
Recent studies show that lifestyle changes, including diet and weight loss, can help reverse or manage Type 2 diabetes naturally. Here’s a summary of the latest research:
1. Weight Loss for Diabetes Reversal
Research from Newcastle University found that people who lost about 10% of their body weight through a low-calorie diet saw improvements in blood sugar levels and achieved diabetes remission. Participants who lost weight reported better insulin sensitivity and reduced fat in the liver and pancreas, which helped their bodies use insulin more effectively.
2. Diet Changes for Better Control
Healthcare professionals also provide guidelines indicating that cutting back on refined sugars and processed foods while focusing on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps manage blood sugar. A low-carb or Mediterranean diet has shown positive effects in regulating glucose levels.
3. Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity
Studies (such as “The acute vs. chronic effect of exercise on insulin sensitivity: nothing lasts forever”) confirm that regular exercise, such as walking, biking, or strength training, helps the body become more sensitive to insulin. This improves how the body handles blood sugar, making it easier to manage diabetes.
These findings show that losing weight, eating healthy, and staying active are powerful, natural ways to reverse Type 2 diabetes. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new health plan.
The Results: What percent of patients with type 2 diabetes achieved remission?
The answer? This study found that 70% of those with type 2 diabetes achieved diabetes remission.
Those with type 2 diabetes who participated in the study experienced an average weight loss of roughly 17 pounds or 10.7% of their initial body weight. Waist measurements and body fat were reduced among men with type two diabetes but stayed higher among women compared to the matched participants without type 2 diabetes. The participants could also maintain this weight loss between 6 months and a year.
According to Alison Barnes, RD, one of the lead research associates and dietitian at the Human Nutrition Research Centre at Newcastle University, adults with type 2 diabetes felt “better and satisfied” with their weight due to their new diet and weight loss.
In addition, according to Healio, “researchers observed a mechanism underlying diabetes remission involving reducing fat in the liver and pancreas. Baseline liver fat levels were 2.5 times higher among participants with type 2 diabetes than in the matched control group but reduced to less than 2% by 24 weeks.”
As the fat volume in the liver and pancreas of type 2 diabetes patients decreased, so did blood glucose levels, while insulin levels increased. HbA1C results improved from roughly 7.1 % to 6.4 % NGSP in 12 months. That meant you could see significant progress in diabetes remission.
It can be concluded that having a healthy BMI and losing 10% of your body weight can help with the remission of type 2 diabetes.
This insight can change the ways of thinking for both doctors who recommend treatment and patients who make efforts to manage their diabetes and improve it. Doctors can now recommend weight loss as a valuable treatment option.
Ways to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed or even reversed naturally with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Here are some simple steps to help manage your blood sugar levels:
1. Lose Weight
Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can improve your blood sugar control. This can help your body use insulin better and lower your blood sugar levels.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Focus on eating whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Eating smaller portions can also help you control your weight and blood sugar.
3. Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively. Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Walking or biking can be great options.
4. Manage Stress
Stress can increase blood sugar. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga to stay calm.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This helps your body manage blood sugar better.
By following these steps, you can naturally improve your blood sugar levels and manage Type 2 diabetes. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your routine.
Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed permanently?
While these two factors are key to managing diabetes and increasing the chances of remission, having a healthy BMI and losing weight do not guarantee permanent remission or even prevent diagnosis completely. Alison Barnes, RD, research associate and dietitian, said, “However, if we look at the numbers, 15% of new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes are actually in people who have a BMI within that healthy range.”
Ensuring better health through exercise and losing weight to have an average BMI level is encouraged by researchers and healthcare professionals. Still, there is no guarantee that it will prevent you from developing type 2 diabetes or reverse your diabetes. Other risk factors, such as having a family history of diabetes, can impact the development of the condition.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Diabetes Reversal
When trying to reverse Type 2 diabetes, people often make certain mistakes that can slow down or stop progress. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Not Being Consistent
It’s important to stay consistent with healthy habits. Skipping meals, not exercising regularly, or returning to old unhealthy eating habits can make it harder to see results. Consistency is key to controlling blood sugar and reversing diabetes.
2. Ignoring Portion Control
Even healthy foods can cause weight gain if eaten in large amounts. Portion control is important. Eating more than what your body needs, even if it’s healthy, can prevent weight loss and affect blood sugar levels.
3. Not Tracking Progress
Not keeping track of your HbA1C levels, weight, or diet can make it hard to see improvement. Regular tracking helps you adjust your plan as needed and stay motivated.
4. Relying Too Much on Supplements
While some supplements claim to help with diabetes, they should not replace a healthy diet and exercise. Relying only on supplements without making lifestyle changes won’t lead to lasting results.
5. Not Seeking Support
Managing diabetes can be tough. Not getting support from healthcare providers or loved ones can make it harder to stick with the plan. Having a support system helps keep you on track.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your chances of successfully reversing Type 2 diabetes.
Can you get rid of Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes cannot always be completely “cured,” but it can be managed or even put into remission. This means that with the right lifestyle changes, your blood sugar levels can return to normal, and you might not need medication for a while. However, the risk of it returning is still there, so it’s important to stay on track with healthy habits.
What Helps?
- Losing Weight: Losing around 5-10% of your body weight can greatly improve blood sugar control. This helps your body use insulin more effectively.
- Eating a Healthy Diet: Eating foods that don’t spike your blood sugar, like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help manage diabetes.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps your body better manage blood sugar and maintain a healthy weight.
- Monitoring Your A1C level: Regular checks help you see how well you’re managing your diabetes and if any changes are needed in your plan.
While you may not “get rid of” Type 2 diabetes completely, making these changes can help you live a longer, healthier life with fewer complications. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.
Conclusion
If you have type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, a history of diabetes in your family, or any other high-risk factors, consider making an effort to better manage your diabetes by way of weight loss. Frequent measuring of your BMI may also help you maintain an average weight. With these practices, you, too, could bring your diabetes into remission.
One of the best ways of tracking the progress and improvement of your diabetes management is by frequently testing your A1C levels every three months.
Curious how you can do that at home? Learn more about our at-home diabetes management device.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to reverse type 2 diabetes?
It can take several months to see improvements in type 2 diabetes after making changes in diet and lifestyle. For some people, losing weight and eating healthier may lead to improved blood sugar levels within a few months, but it may take longer to fully manage or put the condition into remission.
2. Can type 2 diabetes go away permanently?
Type 2 diabetes may go into remission with lifestyle changes like weight loss and a healthy diet, but it doesn’t always go away permanently. You still need to manage your blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication. Without maintaining healthy habits, diabetes can return.
3. Can you reverse type 2 diabetes by cutting out sugar?
Cutting out excess sugar can help manage blood sugar levels, but simply cutting sugar alone won’t reverse type 2 diabetes. A balanced diet, including weight loss, exercise, and monitoring blood sugar, is important for reversing or managing the condition.
4. How much weight do you need to lose to reverse type 2 diabetes?
Losing 5-10% of your body weight can make a big difference in managing or even reversing type 2 diabetes. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, losing about 10-20 pounds can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
5. Can your pancreas start working again with type 2 diabetes?
Yes, with weight loss and a healthy diet, your pancreas can start working better. In type 2 diabetes, fat buildup in the pancreas makes it hard to produce enough insulin. Losing weight can help reduce this fat, allowing the pancreas to work more effectively.
6. Is it my fault I have type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is not anyone’s fault. It is caused by a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. While eating unhealthy foods and not exercising can increase the risk, many people with type 2 diabetes have family histories or other factors that make them more likely to develop the condition.
