Have you ever read claims that type 2 diabetes can be “reversed” and wondered if it was true?
Nearly 1.2 million (4.6%) people were living with type 2 diabetes in Australia in 2021. Overall, men were 1.3 times more likely to be living with type 2 diabetes than women. women.
While type 1 is thought to be an autoimmune disease (occurring because the body’s immune system has destroyed the cells in the pancreas that create insulin – the hormone that helps maintain our sugar levels blood sugar/blood sugar within normal range), type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels become too high because the body no longer produces enough insulin or insulin no longer works properly (resistance to insulin).
Over time, this can lead to a range of possible complications, including damage to nerves and blood vessels affecting the eyes, kidneys and feet, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
But can type 2 diabetes really be reversed?
Remission of diabetes
Natasha Marsland, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, says the term ‘remission’ is a more accurate way of looking at things.
“Remission of type 2 diabetes occurs when your long-term blood sugar levels fall below the diabetes level and stay there for at least three months, without the need for glucose-lowering medications. By bringing your blood sugar into a range not linked to long-term diabetes, the symptoms of diabetes and any further damage it may cause to your body are put on pause.
“Remission doesn’t mean your diabetes is gone forever, because your blood sugar levels may rise again – and we don’t call it ‘reversing type 2 diabetes,’ because remission doesn’t cure the disease. type 2 diabetes. You should always attend regular check-ups and get the support you need to treat or manage any existing complications.
How does diabetes remission work?
“We know from evidence that the key to remission is weight loss. The chances of remission are better the sooner you try after your diagnosis,” says Marsland. “If you have obesity, your type 2 diabetes is more likely to go into remission if you lose around 15kg (2 stone 5lb) of weight in the safest way possible.”
Weight is one of several risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, along with genetics and family history, age and ethnicity (people of South Asian, Chinese, Afro-Caribbean descent and black African are generally more at risk). But while it’s a key part of remission, Marsland also emphasizes, “Weight loss is not a guarantee to put your type 2 diabetes into remission.” However, losing weight if necessary can have a positive impact on your health, your daily well-being and your long-term health.
“The causes of type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex, but we know that in many cases it is caused by a buildup of fat inside the liver and pancreas, which prevents them from functioning properly.”
For some, bariatric surgery or medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) might be beneficial. Nutrition and a healthy diet are also essential.
Type 2 diabetes and nutrition
“The majority of research shows us that weight loss reduces insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. However, we also know that 10% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at a healthy weight,” says diabetes dietitian William Hadfield, who has over 10 years’ experience in the NHS and is co-founder from WE. Nutrition (wenutrition.co.uk).
“People with type 2 who are unwilling or unable to lose weight may want to focus on reducing their overall carbohydrate intake (e.g. bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, cereals) and increasing lean proteins (e.g. beans, lentils, eggs, white meats, fish), as well as vegetables and healthy fats (e.g. nuts, seeds, olive oils and spreads). canola, nuts and seeds).
“Maintaining hydration with sugar-free fluids (e.g., water, sugar-free squash, unsweetened tea or coffee) and consuming alcohol only within recommended limits may contribute to health overall, to manage hunger and avoid unnecessary calories.
“For everyone, but especially people with diabetes, it is important to avoid added sugar as it is linked to obesity and tooth decay. For people with diabetes, this can contribute to higher blood sugar levels. These foods (e.g. sweets, chocolate, highly processed foods and drinks) often have little or no nutritional value and therefore rarely provide health benefits,” he adds.
Make choices that suit you
Hadfield wants to focus on lasting change. “Choose a dietary approach that works for you and your life,” he says. “Consider every aspect of your life and how food, drink and lifestyle fit into it, and find a way that allows you to live your life the way you want, and that also helps you achieve your health goals. »
He suggests avoiding “overly restrictive and fad diets unless supervised by a trained and qualified healthcare professional,” and adds: “In such a fast-paced, immediate results-driven world, we can sometimes expect the same to apply to our health. It’s important to recognize that sometimes slow and steady changes really do win the race when it comes to health and type 2 diabetes.”
What else do you need to know?
Marsland emphasizes the importance of continuing to consult with your healthcare team.
“Whether you are considering or have already attempted to go into remission from type 2 diabetes, or your type 2 diabetes is in remission, it is extremely important to have conversations with your care team. You need advice and guidance that works for you,” she says. “It is also important to emphasize that trying to achieve remission is not clinically appropriate for everyone. If you are trying to achieve remission, you may need to change the medications you take, which your healthcare team can advise you on. They may also recommend increased monitoring.
“We know that going into remission can be difficult and staying there even harder, at a weight that’s right for you. That’s why we’ve just launched our new remission information and support resources (available on the charity’s website) and are continuing to fund research to understand how to help more people living with type 2 to go into remission and stay there longer.
Hadfield also believes it’s essential to have “a holistic approach, because diabetes affects many aspects of life,” he says. “Think about food and drink, but also mental health, exercise, sleep, support networks, relaxation – all these pieces of the puzzle come together to make up a person, and it’s important that we see the whole puzzle in order to get the best results. »
Do you suffer from type 2 diabetes? How do you handle this? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
