What is the Difference Between Diabetes Reversal & Diabetes Remission?

Introduction

The 2016 WHO report on diabetes was the first time a section on diabetes reversal was mentioned and how it could be achieved through various therapeutic measures. The thought of being able to reverse diabetes sounds very exciting for people with diabetes.

But here’s the catch- diabetes reversal is not as straightforward as it seems. Infact, diabetes reversal is not a standardised area of practice even today.

As we speak about diabetes reversal, here’s another phrase you must acquaint yourself with- diabetes remission. 

If you have looked up diabetes cures online, the chances of coming across diabetes remission and reversal are high. Are you confused about remission vs reversal?

Well, you are not alone! To help resolve your confusion, we’ve got you a better insight into how these two phenomena are different.

Diabetes Reversal and Remission: What’s the Difference?

When we talk about remission and reversal, we are referring to type 2 diabetes. It is important to understand that type 1 diabetes ( juvenile diabetes) cannot be reversed or sent into remission.

Type 2 diabetes is considered a chronic (long-term) metabolic condition. While the first line of treatment for most individuals with type 2 diabetes is medication and lifestyle modifications, there are several studies by global organisations like the WHO and Diabetes UK that speak about diabetes remission and reversal (for a specific period of time).

Diabetes remission is a condition in which a person with type 2 diabetes has been able to maintain their HbA1c levels within the normal range for atleast one year without using medications.

Patients in diabetes remission must follow the instructions of their diabetologist and nutritionist to ensure their diabetes continues to remain in remission. The most effective way to bring about diabetes remission is by achieving weight loss.

Four ways to achieve weight loss and subsequent diabetes remission are:

1. Very low-calorie diet
2. Low carbohydrate diet (keto diet)
3. Exercise
4. Bariatric surgery

What, then, is diabetes reversal? It is very common for people to use remission and reversal interchangeably. However, diabetes remission is not the same as reversal.

Once remission has been achieved, you can maintain it for a prolonged duration by following the suggested lifestyle habits, diet, exercise routine and doctor’s instructions.

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Some ways by which you can ensure diabetes remission continues for a long time are:

1. Prevent regaining weight
2. Practice effective stress management
3. Ensure good sleep
4. Follow your exercise routine
5. Continue following lifestyle changes
6. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep your appointments to monitor your blood sugar levels with them
7. Follow your nutritionist’s instructions about the diet plan

Important to note: Diabetes cannot be reversed permanently. Remission is a temporary reversal of diabetes and stays as long as you follow your doctor’s and nutritionist’s advice.

Can Early Stages of Diabetes be Reversed?

If you have been diagnosed with insulin resistance or prediabetes, we’ve got you good news! At these early stages, diabetes can be completely reversed and prevented from progressing to type 2 diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle and your doctor’s instructions.

FitterTake

If you or someone you know is living with type 2 diabetes, it is essential to understand that it cannot be reversed permanently once the condition develops.

However, with the right support from experts, you can bring your blood sugar levels within the normal range and send your diabetes into remission for a prolonged period of time.

So, the difference between remission and reversal is that the remission is temporary, whereas the reversal indicates permanency. With a chronic condition like type 2 diabetes, the right word is diabetes remission instead of reversal.

If you are struggling to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range, sign up for Fitterfly’s Diabetes Care Program, curated by diabetologists, nutritionists, fitness experts, and success coaches. With a robust team of experts, we ensure healthy habit-building, which not just brings your blood sugar levels under control but also helps you achieve diabetes remission and maintain it for a long time.

Need help with understanding the best diabetes management program for you? Speak to us today! Give us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will get back to you.