Can diabetes be reversed? Understanding treatment and lifestyle changes

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 million Americans live with diabetes. While diabetes cannot always be reversed, it can often be managed through treatment and healthy lifestyle changes. For some people with type 2 diabetes, these changes may even lead to remission. In recognition of National Diabetes Month, learn about diabetes, what diabetes remission means, and how the right support can make a difference.

Diabetes: What you need to know

Cleveland Clinic describes diabetes as “a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high.” It develops when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body doesn’t respond to insulin properly. Typically, diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning people who are diagnosed with it will have it for life. There are multiple forms of diabetes:

Prediabetes: The stage that comes before type 2 diabetes. Prediabetics have glucose levels that are higher than normal but are not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition in which the body produces little to no insulin. It can develop over months or years.

Type 2 diabetes: A metabolic disorder, type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. This is the most common type of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes: A temporary form of diabetes that develops with pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes

If you’re wondering how to know if you have diabetes, learning the common signs and symptoms is an important first step. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of diabetes and may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common signs include:

• Increased thirst and dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Slow-healing cuts
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Frequent skin or vaginal yeast infections

Risk factors are unique to individual forms of diabetes. While risk factors like age and family history/genetics cannot be changed, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, including:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Losing weight if you are overweight

Is diabetes reversible?

In short: yes. While diabetes is never truly “cured,” it’s possible to go into remission. Diabetes is considered in remission when a person’s blood sugar levels return to a healthy range (below 6.5%) and stay there for at least three months without needing diabetes medication.

Remission from diabetes is most successful in younger adults and individuals diagnosed within the last year. It can be achieved through a variety of lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low-calorie diet with regular exercise, significant weight loss (usually between 22 and 33 lbs.), and medical interventions, including bariatric surgery or meal replacement programs.

To better support Mass General Brigham Health Plan members living with diabetes, we offer several resources, including:

The wellness hub: A personalized online resource that helps you build healthier habits with tailored recommendations, wellness programs, health challenges, and tools to support your physical, mental, and everyday well-being at your own pace. Access it by logging in to the Member Portal.

Health coaching: Provides personalized, one-on-one support by phone at no cost to help you set goals, build healthy habits, and make progress toward your wellness goals.

Diabetes Management: Mass General Brigham Health Plan offers a Diabetes Management program through Teladoc Health to help eligible members manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes—at no additional cost. This is a digitally enabled program that helps people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar more effectively using a smart blood glucose meter, unlimited strips and lancets, expert coaching, and easy tracking.

Whether you’re working to prevent diabetes, manage it, or achieve remission, the right care and support can help you take important steps toward better health.