Can you reverse type 2 diabetes?

We don’t call it type 2 diabetes reversal, because this might sound like it's permanent, and there’s no guarantee that your diabetes has gone forever.

But yes, it may be possible to put your type 2 diabetes into remission.

Type 2 diabetes remission is when your blood sugar levels are below the diabetes range and you don’t need to take diabetes medication anymore. There are many benefits of being in remission of type 2 diabetes, from everyday benefits like feeling better and having more energy, to long-term benefits like reducing your chances of developing diabetes-related health problems. 

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Want to know more about putting your diabetes into remission?

Visit our type 2 diabetes remission guide where we answer:

What is type 2 diabetes remission?

How do I go into remission?

Where can I go for more support?

Find out more. 

 

How do you reverse diabetes?

The strongest evidence we have at the moment suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis. However, we do know of people who have put their diabetes into remission decades after diagnosis.

Explore the different ways you can try going into type 2 diabetes remission. 

How does diabetes reversal work?

The causes of type 2 diabetes are multiple and complex. But we do know that in many cases it's caused by a build-up of fat inside the liver and pancreas. Evidence shows that reducing the build-up of this fat can put your type 2 diabetes into remission.

Find out more about how type 2 remission works. 

Our research into diabetes remission

A study we’ve funded called DiRECT looked into the remission of type 2 diabetes by following a low-calorie diet weight management programme. Find out more about the study and keep up to date with our remission research.