Understanding the underlying cause of type 2 — insulin resistance — can help you understand how remission may be possible in some cases.
“A lot of times patients think it’s a futile effort, like whatever they do is not going to matter,” says Patricia Happel, DO, associate professor and associate medical director at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. “What I try to do is empower them and educate them about what they can do to manage it, and hopefully, reverse it.”
Dr. Happel says that if your A1C is below 8, you may have a chance of returning to a normal blood sugar level, provided you make and maintain healthier eating, exercise, and lifestyle habits. As A1C increases, it’s harder to return to a normal blood sugar level without medical intervention. Jordana Turkel, RD, CDCES, of Park Avenue Endocrinology and Nutrition in New York City, has also seen people go into remission from type 2 diabetes if they act early enough. “Typically it’s done with a very low-carb diet, a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise a week, with a combination of cardiovascular and strength training, as well as follow-up with both myself and the doctor,” she says. Underscoring that remission doesn’t mean the diabetes won’t come back, she adds, “Even if their numbers are in check, frequent follow-up is important.”
Diet and Lifestyle Changes, and Possibly Insulin
The condition is typically managed through diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Oral medication or insulin may also be prescribed if a woman can’t regulate her blood sugar with diet and lifestyle changes alone.
After Pregnancy
He is more optimistic about the potential for transplant procedures that use innovative, protective methods to tackle the problem of donor cell rejection. “What transplant scientists are working on is how to package beta cells in the body so that they remain viable in someone who receives them,” he explains.
This study was one of four research efforts by the NIDDK involving artificial pancreas systems, so more research is coming.
“I think that we are on the precipice of having widespread access to closed-loop technology that will allow patients to lead a normal life, preventing complications from diabetes,” says Miller.
