Glucose, a type of natural sugar, is absorbed from the food we consume, after which it enters the blood. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas helps push glucose in to body-cells which then convert this glucose into energy. Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to utilize the blood-sugar (type-1 diabetes), or the insulin produced is not utilized efficiently by the body for energy conversion (type-2 diabetes).
Glycated haemoglobin or Glycohemoglobin (chemically indicated as HbA1c, HgbA1C, Hb1C or just A1C) is a form of haemoglobin that is linked to blood-sugar chemically. Compared to galactose and fructose, which are other forms of natural sugar, glucose does not bond with haemoglobin spontaneously. When such bonds are found in the blood, it is an indication that there is excess blood-sugar. That is why, it is used as a metric to measure the extent of diabetes in a person. A person is said to have diabetes when his A1C level is 6.5% or more. He/she is said to be normal, when these levels are below 5.7%, while 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
Diabetes reversal is a worthwhile goal for all diabetics. However, before we understand how to achieve diabetes reversal, we must be familiar with the types of diabetes. That will indicate whether the diabetes is reversable or not.
High blood-sugar has the effect of raising insulin levels in the body. High insulin levels in the body are not good in the long-term as it has the following consequences:
With drastic changes in lifestyle in the last couple of decades, there is a global surge in the number of type-2 diabetes cases, creating a pandemic of sorts. While newer forms of treatment are emerging, Diabetes Reversal has also come to the fore. This is a program that initiates the person into several lifestyle changes that help achieve reversal of the condition. These changes must be maintained for the rest of one’s life, with or without a physician’s supervision.
The person is said to have achieved diabetes reversal, or ‘remission’ when his/her A1c level is below 48 mmol/mol, or less than 6.5% for 3 months or more, without taking medication and/or without taking insulin, in this period.
However, diabetes remission does not mean that diabetes has gone away for good. The person must maintain lifestyle changes for the rest of his/her life and constantly check his/her blood-glucose levels. In case of any rise in these levels, appropriate treatment must be taken in consultation with a general physician or diabetologist.
Obesity or being overweight is one of the most significant risk-factors for developing and sustaining diabetes. This automatically implies, diabetes reversal must be focused on reducing and maintaining the person’s weight above all. This is done through a combination of correct diet and regular exercise. Other measures include improving nutrition and mental health as these affect the overall health of the person which in turn either aids in, or prevents successful reversal.
Accordingly, all Diabetes Reversal programs include the following:
In some obese people (Body-Mass Index or BMI higher than 35), or those suffering from sleep apnea, high BP and high cholesterol levels in the body, diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve weight-loss. Such people will require surgical procedures such as stomach stapling or bariatric surgery that either help reduce food consumption or suck out excess fat from the body. There are various types of bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and gastric banding.
A diet low in salt, sugar and fat help prevent blood pressure spikes, blood-sugar spikes and weight-gain. Further, a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and healthy fats provide the required nutrition for the body. Accordingly, there are some guidelines.
Some patients may also require medication once in a while and these will be prescribed by the doctor. Metformin, a drug given to people with prediabetes to prevent them from developing the condition is also given to achieve reversal. GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors are 2 classes of medicines that are given to achieve better blood-sugar control and prevent weight-gain. Qysmia (phentermine and topiramate) is a drug given to people with high BMI, as it helps reduce appetite and hence calorific intake.
There is a strong link between sleep and good metabolism, proper digestion, energy levels and weight-loss. So diabetics should ensure 7 to 7.5 hours of sleep on normal days and more on stressed days. This is a sure aid in diabetes reversal.
Diabetics are more prone to depression and anxiety. To prevent these and to manage stress better, the person must indulge in their favourite hobbies, or do Yoga and meditation every now and then. Travel and spending time with friends and family also achieve the same effect.
The simple answer to the question – can diabetes be reversed – is yes. But one must realize that diabetes reversal is not a short-term treatment program. Its about lifestyle changes that must be maintained for the rest of one’s life. This may seem like several compromises in your life but the overall health benefits are tremendous and outweigh what all you must give up for the same.
If you or any of your dear ones are suffering from diabetes, consult a reputed hospital. A qualified diabetologist will educate you about diabetes reversal and initiate a reversal program for you at the earliest, with expert supervision.
Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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