Recent studies have revealed that diabetes can be 'reversible,' but it is not as clear-cut as giving up your medicine and changing your lifestyle to achieve this. Which type of diabetes is reversible? What does reversible mean? Here is what you need to know.
Type 2 Diabetes
In 2014 alone, there were 422 million adults who were diagnosed with diabetes. Furthermore, 50% of people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need insulin therapy within 10 years of being diagnosed. The main difference between the two types of diabetes is that type 1 is a genetic disorder. It is more likely to appear in the early stages of childhood, while type 2 is largely diet-related and develops over time. But is this type of diabetes reversible?
What does reversible mean?
Recent reports stating that Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is reversible can often lead people into thinking that they will be completely cured of the illness should they follow a few dietary and medical changes. This is not always the case.
There has been evidence that T2D is reversible through bariatric surgery, low-calorie diets, or carbohydrate restriction that are carefully monitored by a qualified nutritionist. However, it is a complicated process that may not work for everyone. In some cases, where it has been successfully reversed, a person can be diagnosed again after some time. It is important to keep in mind that T2D can behave differently from patient to patient.
Being more active and sticking to a healthy diet where you avoid foods that could be detrimental to the type of diabetes you may have is beneficial to managing the illness and reducing the risk it has on your life. However, it does not guarantee any reversal of T2D or reversing your diabetes to the point where you will no longer need medication.
You will still need to take care of your health
Type 2 diabetes reversal is not an easily available option. Therefore, sticking to recommendations that are given to you by a medical practitioner and a nutritionist can help you manage the illness better to the point where you continue to live a normal life. Taking care of yourself can also help you lower your life insurance premiums. Make sure that you:
