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Type 2 Diabetes: Can You Cure It?

Table of Contents


Overview

There is no known cure for type 2 diabetes. But it can be managed. And in some cases, it goes into remission. Avoid products that promise a cure for type 2 diabetes.

What is remission?

Remission means having an A1c of 6.5% or lower without using diabetes medicine for at least 3 months. Some people who don't need diabetes medicine go into remission with weight loss, diabetes-focused healthy eating, and exercise. Their bodies are still able to make and use insulin.

When diabetes is in remission, the risk that it could come back is higher than normal. You would still need to make the same healthy choices that you would for active diabetes.

Remission is most likely:

Remission is less likely in the later stages of diabetes. This is because over time the body may slowly lose its ability to make insulin.

There's no way to know in advance if type 2 diabetes will go into remission. It happens for some people and not others, even if they have the same diet, exercise, weight loss, or weight-loss surgery. Experts don't fully understand why.

How can you care for yourself when you have type 2 diabetes?


Credits for Type 2 Diabetes: Can You Cure It?

Current as of: October 2, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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