When your doctor tells you that you have Type 2 Diabetes, you probably think that it's a disease that requires lifelong medication. But new research suggests that some people can reverse the condition, meaning they can control their blood sugar levels without medication. Isn't this really promising? Let's see how this works.
Does "turning back" mean a complete cure?
The first thing to understand is that this is not a "complete cure." Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition. We call this "remission." That means you're not taking medication and your blood sugar levels are at a healthy level.
However, it is not impossible that symptoms will recur. However, some people live for years without any problems or health problems that come with diabetes.
Simply put, this is like putting diabetes into a dormant state.
The main key to this: losing weight
The secret to all of this is weight loss . Losing weight not only helps you manage your diabetes, but sometimes, once you lose enough weight, you can even live a diabetes-free life. This is especially true if you have had diabetes for a few years and haven't started using insulin.
Why does losing weight control diabetes?
When you have type 2 diabetes, the cells in your body that control sugar don't work properly. Doctors used to think that these cells couldn't be restored. But now research has found that losing weight can restore some of the lost cell function.
When you lose weight, the amount of fat in your liver and pancreas decreases. This allows the beta cells in your pancreas , which produce insulin, to recover and start doing their job properly. The best time to restore these cells is when you first get diagnosed with diabetes. Therefore, it is very important to start a weight loss plan as soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes.
What are the ways to help reverse diabetes?
There are many ways to lose weight. Let's look at a few of them. But remember, before trying any of these, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get his advice.
| Method | Description and notable points |
|---|---|
| Very low-calorie diet | This is a somewhat drastic method. It involves consuming a very low amount of calories, about 600-850 per day. Usually, liquid food is consumed. It is done for about 2-5 months, and then you get used to a normal eating pattern to control your weight. Research has shown that almost half of those who follow this method have achieved remission of diabetes. Medical supervision is mandatory. |
| Exercise | It can be difficult to lose weight and reverse diabetes through exercise alone. However, it is very effective when combined with diet. Walking 10,000 steps a day and exercising at least 2.5 hours a week can produce good results when combined with diet. |
| Weight loss surgery (Bariatric Surgery) | This involves surgically reducing the size of the stomach and limiting the amount of food you can eat. Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two main types of surgery. In addition to losing weight, it is also believed to help control blood sugar by affecting the body's hormonal activity. This is usually recommended for people with a BMI of over 35. Since this is a major surgery, there are risks. It is something that you should discuss carefully with your doctor before making a decision. |
| Fasting | This is not yet accepted as a mainstream treatment. However, research is being conducted on intermittent fasting. For example, a small study of fasting for 24 hours three days a week and only eating dinner on those days has yielded positive results. This is also something that should be done safely under medical advice. |
Is there a 'magic' cure for diabetes?
No. Don't be fooled by stories about a natural or other "magic cure" for diabetes. Things like deep breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. Since stress affects blood sugar levels, keeping your mind relaxed is important for managing diabetes. But they won't cure diabetes.
If there is a real cure, it must be clearly proven over and over again through clinical trials.
Be careful with these things!
Be very careful of products that claim to cure diabetes or replace your medication. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) warns that many of the products sold illegally are unproven and potentially dangerous.
| Examples of deceptive healings | |
|---|---|
| Dietary supplements | Sometimes you can have a dangerous reaction to the diabetes medication you take. |
| Alternative medicines | Methods that are not scientifically proven can be dangerous. |
| "All-natural" products | Sometimes these may contain medications that are not listed on the label and are prescribed by a doctor. This can lead to you taking an overdose without even realizing it. |
What about stem cells or pancreas transplants?
These are technologically advanced treatments. Although there have been some successes in research with stem cells and islet cell transplantation, they are not yet standard treatments for diabetes. Pancreas transplantation is something that is done for some patients with type 1 diabetes. These are very complex and still in the research stage.
Take-Home Message
- Reversing type 2 diabetes is not a complete cure. It is a state of remission in which blood sugar levels are controlled without medication.
- The main and most effective way to do this is to lose weight . Especially losing 15 kilos or more gives good results.
- This condition can be achieved through methods such as diet control, exercise, and weight loss surgery.
- Before starting any new diet or exercise plan, be sure to talk to your doctor for advice.
- Never be fooled by products and stories that claim to provide a "magic cure" for diabetes. Always look for a scientific basis.
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