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How to reverse Diabetes? Is it completely curable?

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Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic syndrome, is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia (increase in blood glucose levels). The main types of DM are Type 1 & type 2.


In TYPE 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), there is an absolute deficiency of insulin production in the body due to some gene abnormality or other causes where pancreatic beta cells do not produce insulin at all. Practically reversing Type 1 DM is not feasible except for Islets transplant containing beta cells, but still, with this transplant, much work remains to be done. The only treatment for TYPE1 DM is lifelong replacement with insulin.


In TYPE 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), there is either or both of the two pathologies exist. Initially, the patient develops increased peripheral resistance, i.e. insulin is secreted by the pancreas in normal amounts, but it is not acting properly on receptors (Liver / Muscle), so glucose cannot enter into the cells, and it accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycaemia. Increased peripheral resistance is more seen in obese individuals or patients with Metabolic syndromes.


To compensate for this increased peripheral resistance, the pancreas secretes more insulin, and finally, blood sugar comes under control, which is called the honeymoon period in diabetes mellitus. With time pancreatic beta cells get exhausted, and finally, insulin production is reduced, resulting in hyperglycaemia. In some patients, both pathologies coexist, i.e. increased peripheral resistance and decreased production of insulin by the pancreas.

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Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is possible when we target to reduce peripheral resistance to insulin at receptors before pancreatic beta cells get exhausted. Lifestyle modification is the mainstay to reduce Peripheral Resistance; sometimes, patients need drugs to reduce this insulin resistance.

Role of Diet in Diabetes Reversal

Every patient's diet must be customised based on age, activities, muscle mass size and resting energy expenditure.


The goal of nutrition management of diabetes is to maintain desirable blood glucose and blood lipid level, optimal nutritional status, and reach and maintain a healthy weight.


Recommendations are 50-60% of the calories should be from carbohydrates (more from complex carbohydrates and lesser from simple ones), fat should be limited to 30% of total calories, and protein should provide 15-20% of total calories.


Food with low glycaemic index, rich in fibres like vegetables, good quality protein such as beans, lentils, fish or chicken, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy proteins and nuts are recommended.


High glycaemic index foods, such as white rice, sugar, sweets, carbonated drinks, and junk food, must be avoided.

Role of Physical Activity in Diabetes Reversal

Physical activity should be customised according to patient BMI, waist-hip ratio, lean body mass and muscle index.


30–45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5–6 days per week, is recommended.


Cardiac aerobic activity should be done along with muscle training. Daily Aerobic activity (brisk walking/ running / cycling / swimming / sports activity etc.) should weigh around 40-50% of exercise. Muscle training using weights should be done routinely, focusing on all muscle groups.


Frequently asked questions

  • How can I reverse diabetes naturally and permanently?

    Through diet and weight loss, one can achieve normal blood glucose levels without any medication. Diet plays a pivotal role in controlling high blood glucose. As per research studies, bariatric surgery, carbohydrate restriction, and low-calorie (LC) diets have all been effective in reversing type 2 diabetes. In recent years, the LC eating pattern has gained support from the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its ability to help people with diabetes achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the short term.

  • Can diabetes be completely reversed?

    Yes, type 2 diabetes can be kept under remission (blood sugar levels can be in control) with no more intake of oral medication or insulin. The remission chances will be more if the patient starts losing weight (healthy weight loss) as early as the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that the development of type 2 diabetes is influenced by fat storage in the liver and pancreas, and thereby reducing body fat can help in diabetic remission.

  • What foods can reverse diabetes?

    A diet rich in minerals,  fibre, and vitamins can aid in the provision of diabetic reversal, such as 

    • Green leafy vegetables (spinach), which are low in carbohydrates, glycaemic index, and rich in nutrients, aid in managing high blood sugar levels.
    • Whole grains (brown rice, whole oats etc.), which are rich sources of fibre with a low glycaemic index, aid in the maintenance of blood sugar levels. In addition, these also consist of vitamins and minerals, which act as cardioprotective.
    • Nuts comprise fibre, protein, and healthy fats. According to a recent study, consuming nuts may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
    • Inclusive fruits with low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load (cherries, blackberries, apple and vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruits, tangerines, and oranges that comprises high levels of potassium and folate) in daily diet is highly advisable. Consuming fruit should be preferred over fruit juice, as the fibre present in the fruit helps in the prevention of sugar spikes.
    • Beans consist of fibre, vitamins and proteins without saturated fat. As per studies, beans are a good source of a low glycaemic diet, thereby controlling high blood sugar levels.
    • Dairy products, Vitamin D, found in dairy products, may improve insulin sensitivity. They also contain calcium, which is beneficial for bone health. Low-sugar varieties of yoghurt should be preferred in order to avoid Carbs.
    • Omega-3-rich fatty fishes (tunas, salmon, mackerel etc.) that aid in lowering inflammation, thereby protecting from diabetic retinopathy
    • Sweet potatoes. For people with diabetes, sweet potatoes can be handy in maintaining healthy eyes due to their high vitamin A and fibre content.
  • Can diabetes be cured by walking?

    Yes, walking more can aid in controlling high blood sugar levels. Aerobic exercise includes walking, especially at a brisk pace or with moderate intensity (30 to 60 minutes), have numerous positive effects on health, such as 

    • Reduction in blood sugar levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure
    • Increase in insulin sensitivity, metabolism, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
    • Improves cardiac function
    • Weight loss

    In type 2 Diabetes, exercise leads to an increase in insulin sensitivity. As per a research study, there was no change in blood glucose concentrations in patients who were fasting, but there was a decrease in blood sugar concentrations in patients who exercised after a meal.

  • What is the reversal rate of diabetes?

    The reversal rate of diabetes is directly proportional to the amount of weight loss. In a study conducted on the Indian diabetic population (newly diagnosed) where all the patients were treated with a low-calorie diet (<1500 kcal/day) and one hour of brisk walking per day. 53.1% had achieved complete reversal, and 7% achieved partial reversal at three months, followed by 50 % and 25% at one year and 46.9% and 21.9% at two years, respectively.

  • When is it too late to reverse diabetes?

    It depends on the patient's condition and their capability to reduce body weight. There is no exact number (age or duration of diabetes) at which a diabetic patient can reverse their condition. However, studies have shown patients with 25 years of diabetic history have reversed their diabetic condition by losing weight. 

  • Is HbA1c 6.5 reversible?

    Yes, a diabetic patient with HbA1c 6.5% is reversible with the aid of lifestyle modification (daily exercise and diet), considering a patient with no associated diabetic complications. 

  • What is the fastest way to reverse diabetes?

    The fastest way to reverse diabetes is by following the below-mentioned:

    • Healthy reduction of body weight upto15 kgs in case of obese
    • Daily 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
    • Intake of a diet rich in fibre and low in carbohydrates
    • Consumption of more water and being hydrated all the time
    • Strict adherence to prescribed medication
    • Abstain smoking
    • Maintain good sleep hours

    As per a study in India, all patients with type 2 DM included in the study with associated body mass index (BMI) of less than 35 kg/m2 reversed their diabetes within three months after undergoing the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure.

  • How can I permanently reverse prediabetes?

    One can prevent the diabetic condition from the prediabetic stage by adhering to the following:

    • Moderate weight loss (5 to 7% of body weight)
    • 150 minutes of brisk walking in a week or half an hour a day (for five days a week)

    As per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report, participants in lifestyle change programs recognised by the CDC who lost 5-7 % of their body weight and increased their weekly exercise time to 150 minutes had shown a 58% decrease in developing type 2 diabetes risk, among which 71 % are of over 60 years old.

  • What are the five rules of diabetes control?

    The five rules of diabetes control are as follows:

    • Intake of a healthy diet
    • Exercise regularly
    • Intake of appropriate medications
    • Regular glucose check-ups
    • Education about diabetes

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