Diabetes is a condition in which the level of sugar in a person’s blood is too high. In type 2 diabetes, this happens because a person’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is rejected by the body’s cells. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is different to type 1 diabetes, in which a person’s body can’t produce insulin at all. Insulin is a chemical produced by the pancreas which controls the level of sugar in the blood and transfers it to the cells to be turned into energy.
If insulin is unable to do this, too much sugar will remain in the blood which can lead to complications with the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet.
Diabetes has no specific cure but is treated with medication to keep the condition under control.
However, there have been some claims type 2 diabetes can be reversed. So is this true?
According to Dr Zenon Andreou, GP at European online doctor Zava, it is possible for type 2 diabetes to go into remission for some people, through weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices.
The doctor notes, however, that there is currently no long-term evidence to prove this is a permanent cure.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to weight, in that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop the condition.
People who already have type 2 diabetes and are overweight or obese are also more likely to develop associated complications.
“Diets high in refined carbohydrates such as pasta, white bread and sugary drinks raise blood glucose levels and the body’s normal response is to produce more insulin to balance that,” said Dr Zenon.
However, people who have diabetes are unable to create that balance so need to take medication to control it.
But eating healthily and losing weight have helped some people to put their diabetes into remission by reducing blood sugar levels naturally.
“By reducing the amount of carbohydrates eaten and controlling calorie intake, the body’s blood sugar levels can remain at normal levels and for some diabetics, coupled with ongoing weight loss and exercise, this means that medication is no longer needed,” said Dr Zenon.
“It is important to note here that we cannot call this a cure, we do not currently have long-term evidence to suggest this is a permanent situation,” he warned.
Dr Zenon noted some studies also suggest people who attempt to get their diabetes in remission soon after diagnosis stand a better chance of being successful, as the cells which control glucose levels are potentially less damaged.
“People with type 2 diabetes should speak to their GP or specialist before attempting to get their diabetes into remission.
“They will be able recommend healthy eating and exercise plans and set manageable targets, as attempting a crash diet without consultation may carry serious health risks and side effects.
“People with type 2 diabetes in remission, are encouraged to continue getting regular health and diabetes checkups such as retinal screening.
“Type 2 diabetes may have once been considered a lifelong condition, but recent research has shown that for some people it can go into remission through weight loss and healthy lifestyle choices.
“However there is not yet long-term evidence to prove this is a permanent cure,” Dr Zenon reiterated.
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