Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Whether diabetes can be reversed depends on the type of diabetes and the stage of the disease.

If a patient is still in the prediabetes stage and the doctor has only recommended dietary and lifestyle adjustments, then with proper diet and exercise, it is indeed possible to bring blood sugar levels back to a normal range.

However, if diabetes has progressed to a stage requiring long-term insulin use, this is usually related to a decline in pancreatic function. It may involve not only reduced insulin sensitivity but also insufficient insulin secretion, which is why insulin injections are needed to maintain blood sugar control.

Moreover, diabetes has different types. For example, Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas being unable to produce insulin, making long-term medication necessary. In this case, relying solely on diet and exercise cannot reverse the disease. However, one possible goal is to reduce the required insulin dosage.

For Type 2 diabetes patients, the reversibility of the disease depends on multiple factors, such as whether they have started taking medication, the dosage, and whether insulin injections are required.

If diabetes is still in its early stages or prediabetes stage,

and medication dosage is relatively low, patients may be able to gradually reduce or even discontinue medication under medical supervision through healthy lifestyle changes. However, even in such cases, long-term adherence to a healthy diet and regular exercise is necessary to prevent blood sugar levels from rising again.

It is important to note that even if a patient successfully reduces or stops medication, strict blood sugar management must be maintained. If a person relaxes their vigilance after achieving good control and returns to unhealthy eating habits or lacks exercise, blood sugar levels may rise again. Additionally, some patients, in their pursuit of reversing diabetes, may try unverified treatments or products, which can be risky. For example, some patients have experienced a decline in kidney function after trying certain products, which is extremely dangerous.

In conclusion, whether diabetes can be reversed depends on individual factors, including the type of diabetes, the progression of the disease, and the current treatment plan.

Author: Karen Loh (Dietitian in Dietitian Mate Consultancy & AMODS)