Is type 2 diabetes reversible?

People often want to know if type 2 diabetes is reversible but health professionals, like dietitian Renee Zahar, prefer to view it as ‘remission’.

“For many years, type 2 diabetes was viewed as a condition that would always progress over time,” says Zahar.

“We now know that type 2 diabetes doesn't always follow a one-way path, and in some cases its progression can be slowed, stopped, or even placed into remission.

“For some people, significant improvements in blood glucose levels can be achieved through lifestyle changes, weight loss, medication, or a combination of these approaches.”

Let’s explore the pathways to remission and how your health care team can support you.

Understanding type 2 diabetes remission

Remission is the word used when a health condition is less severe or no longer affects a person.

“In some cases, blood glucose levels can return to a non-diabetes range and remain there without the need for diabetes medication,” says Zahar.

“This is known as diabetes remission.”

So, if a person is in remission does that mean their type 2 diabetes is cured?

“…remission doesn't mean the diabetes has been cured,” says Zahar.

“…ongoing healthy lifestyle habits remain important to help maintain those improvements.”

Zahar points out that everyone’s experience with type 2 diabetes is different and it’s important to consider the lifestyle choices you make.

“While remission is possible for some people, the goal for others may be to improve blood glucose levels, reduce the risk of complications, and support overall health and wellbeing,” she says.

“Bottom line is we now understand that, in some cases, progression can be stopped or slowed.”

How type 2 diabetes may go into remission

The pathway to remission is different for everyone.

“For some people, remission may occur following significant weight loss, including after bariatric surgery,” says Zahar.

Bariatric surgery includes a range of procedures used for weight loss, but Zahar points out there’s multiple pathways to remission.

“Others may achieve remission through gradual, sustainable changes to their eating habits, physical activity, and overall lifestyle,” she says.

Zahar notes that not everyone will achieve remission and that’s okay.

“Improving blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of complications, improving metabolic health, and in some cases reducing the need for medication are all valuable health outcomes,” she says.

“Remission is often more likely in people who have been diagnosed more recently, have lower blood glucose levels at the time they begin making changes, and are not requiring insulin therapy.”

Let’s explore the role weight loss, low-energy diets and weight-loss surgery play in type 2 diabetes remission.

Weight loss

For people who carry excess weight, modest weight loss can have a positive impact on the management of type 2 diabetes.

“…reducing excess body fat while maintaining muscle mass through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can help improve the body's response to insulin, support healthier blood glucose levels, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications,” says Zahar.

“For some people, particularly those in the earlier stages of type 2 diabetes, significant and sustained weight loss may increase the chance of achieving diabetes remission.”

Zahar points out that weight loss is only one measure of success.

“Improvements in blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, energy levels, and overall wellbeing can occur even with smaller amounts of weight loss,” she says.

Low-energy diets

Food choices are important for the management of type 2 diabetes, but Zahar wants you to remember that there’s no single ‘diabetes diet’.

“The most effective eating pattern is one that is nutritious, enjoyable, and sustainable,” she says.

One approach is the low-energy diet, but what does that mean?

“Low energy diets can play a role in type 2 diabetes management for some people, particularly those aiming to achieve significant weight loss and potentially diabetes remission,” says Zahar.

“These programs are designed to provide fewer calories than a person's usual intake, often using meal replacement products for a limited period under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

“They are not intended to be followed long term and are usually followed by a gradual return to everyday foods, along with ongoing lifestyle support.”

Zahar notes that the goal of low-energy diets should not simply be weight loss.

“…we want to reduce excess body fat while maintaining muscle mass, supporting metabolic health, and improving long-term wellbeing,” she says.

“…low energy diets are just one approach. Many people successfully improve their diabetes management through gradual and sustainable changes to their eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and overall lifestyle.”

Weight-loss surgery

“Weight-loss surgery, also known as metabolic or bariatric surgery, can be an effective treatment option … particularly those living with obesity who have found it difficult to achieve their health goals through lifestyle changes and medication alone,” says Zahar.

“For some people, weight-loss surgery can lead to significant improvements in blood glucose levels and overall metabolic health.

“In some cases, it may even result in diabetes remission, where blood glucose levels return to a non-diabetes range without the need for diabetes medication.”

But weight-loss surgery may not be ideal for everyone.

“Weight-loss surgery is generally reserved for people with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) and is considered on an individual basis after careful assessment by a specialist health care team,” she says.

Zahar points out that weight-loss surgery is not always appropriate for everyone and the decision will depend on a person’s health, medical history and treatment goals.

“…surgery is not a quick fix and works best when combined with long-term changes to eating habits, physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle behaviours,” says Zahar.

“Ongoing support from a healthcare team is important to help ensure nutritional needs are met and health improvements are maintained.

“It's also important to remember that diabetes can return even after a period of remission. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring remain important for maintaining long-term health and detecting any changes early.”

How your healthcare team can help support remission

Zahar points out that managing type 2 diabetes is more than just blood glucose levels.

“Factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and maintaining a healthy body composition all play an important role in overall health,” she says.

“A healthcare team can help people navigate these different aspects of their health and develop a plan that is tailored to their individual needs, goals, and lifestyle.

This may include support from a GP, dietitian, diabetes educator, pharmacist, exercise physiologist, psychologist, or endocrinologist.”

It often takes a team to help you achieve your goals.

“One of the biggest benefits of working with a healthcare team is that you don't have to do it alone,” says Zahar.

“They can provide education, practical strategies, encouragement, and ongoing support to help you make sustainable changes over time.

“While keeping blood glucose levels well managed remains an important goal, success isn't measured by a single number. Improvements in energy levels, confidence, fitness, sleep, eating habits, blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall quality of life are all meaningful achievements worth celebrating.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for type 2 diabetes to go into remission?

Several factors impact the time it takes to achieve remission because it varies from person to person and it may not be achievable for everyone.

“…[it] depends on factors such as how long someone has had type 2 diabetes, their overall health, and the approach taken to management,” says Zahar.

“Some people may see substantial improvements in their blood glucose levels within weeks or months of making lifestyle changes, starting medication, undertaking a low-energy diet program, or following weight-loss surgery. For others, the journey may take longer.

“It's important to remember that remission is not a race. Improvements in blood glucose levels, energy, fitness, body composition, and overall health can occur long before remission is achieved and are valuable outcomes in their own right.”

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed permanently?

Zahar notes that the approach to type 2 diabetes management has changed.

“Rather than using the term ‘reversed’, health professionals prefer the term ‘remission’," says Zahar.

“While some people can achieve long-term remission, it is not considered a permanent cure.

“Even when blood glucose levels return to a non-diabetes range, the underlying tendency towards type 2 diabetes remains. This means that diabetes can return over time, particularly if weight is regained or healthy lifestyle habits become more difficult to maintain.”

What are the health benefits of time spent in remission?

“The good news is that time spent in remission can still provide meaningful health benefits. Improved blood glucose levels, better metabolic health, and a reduced risk of diabetes-related complications are all valuable outcomes,” says Zahar.

“Whether someone is in remission or not, ongoing healthcare support remains important. Regular check-ups, annual cycle of care health care checks, eye health checks, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help support long-term health and wellbeing.”