Written by Palak, Clinical Dietitian. Reviewed by Dr Arth Shah, MCh Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
The short version For many people with type 2 diabetes – especially within the first few years of diagnosis – losing a significant amount of weight can bring blood sugar back to the normal range without diabetes medicines. This is called remission, and it was shown in the DiRECT trial. It must be done with your doctor, because medicines often need reducing as the diet changes. Type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed.
“Diabetes reversal” is the phrase most people search, but “remission” is more accurate. Blood sugar can return to normal, but the tendency remains – if weight returns, diabetes usually does too. Remission is usually defined as an HbA1c below 6.5% for at least three months without diabetes medicines.
Others still benefit greatly: better control, fewer medicines, and lower risk of complications.
Never stop or reduce diabetes medicines on your own. Eating fewer carbohydrates while on insulin or certain tablets can cause dangerously low blood sugar. We work with your doctor, who adjusts your medicines as your diet changes. Check your sugar as advised, and know the signs of a low: shaking, sweating, confusion. |
Swap | For |
Three rotlis | One or two rotlis (or bajra rotla) with more sabzi and dal |
Rice at every meal | Smaller portion, with dal and salad, once a day |
Sweetened tea | Unsweetened, or fewer cups |
Farsan as a snack | Roasted chana, sprouts, cucumber, a handful of nuts |
Fruit juice | Whole fruit in portions |
Late heavy dinner | Earlier, lighter dinner |
Navratri, Diwali, Uttarayan and weddings bring sweets and fried food. The plan does not pretend these do not happen – it plans for them: smaller portions, protein first, a walk after meals, and getting back on track the next day.
HbA1c every three months, fasting and post-meal sugars as advised, weight and waist, and kidney and lipid tests with your doctor.
Skin treatments at Rejuva Aesthetica are overseen by Dr Arth Shah, who completed his MBBS at Gujarat University in 2009, his MS in General Surgery at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar in 2014, and his MCh in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad in 2017. He is registered with the Gujarat Medical Council under registration number G-25994 and has practised in Ahmedabad since 2018.
A skin consultation takes about twenty minutes. Come without makeup. Your skin type and concern are assessed, the right peel and depth are chosen, and you are told how many sessions you are likely to need and what the whole course costs. If your skin needs preparing first, that starts before the peel does.
Rejuva Aesthetica – Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic 102, Himalaya Emerald, Besides IOC Petrol Pump, Near Shivranjani Over Bridge, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015 Phone: +91 74360 00990 | 079 2692 9299 Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed Sundays and public holidays. |
It can go into remission for many people, especially early on, through significant weight loss. Blood sugar returns to normal without medicines, but the tendency remains.
No. Type 1 diabetes needs insulin for life. Diet helps with control but cannot replace insulin.
Never on your own. Your doctor adjusts medicines as your diet and sugar levels change.
In research, remission was most likely with around 10-15 kg of weight loss, but any loss improves control.
Yes, in controlled portions with plenty of vegetables, dal and protein.
Whole fruit in sensible portions is fine for most people; avoid juice.
Many people see improved sugar within weeks; remission, if achieved, is usually confirmed after several months.
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