Diabetes Remission: Everything you need to know
What we cover inside
What is diabetes remission?
For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, diabetes remission is when your glucose levels are at a normal healthy range without needing or taking diabetes medication.
Is diabetes remission possible for people with Type 1 diabetes?
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes can go into partial remission or a honeymoon phase. This is a period where their insulin requirements decrease, and their glycemic control improves. However, this is a brief and spontaneous event, with some patients achieving partial remission of up to 6 years.
What are the criteria for diabetes remission?
According to experts, individuals with Type 2 diabetes are considered to be in diabetes remission if they exhibit the following criteria for at least 3 months or longer:
Have a normal HbA1c of 6.5% or lower
Not be taking any diabetes medication
What is diabetes reversal?
Diabetes reversal is the common way most people describe their progress in managing diabetes. We prefer using the term diabetes remission as it is a clearer and more accurate representation of what it means to be managing diabetes conditions.
As Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition exacerbated by our modern lifestyle, it can be managed to a point where you no longer need medication – a.k.a going into remission.
Going into remission does not necessarily mean a reversal of Type 2 diabetes.
Because of our unique history and genetic makeup, some of us are more susceptible to increased glucose levels and insulin sensitivity which are made worse through lifestyle choices. But it is possible to manage and bring glucose levels to their normal range. Adopting a healthy diet and active lifestyle is key to maintaining healthy glucose levels and staying in diabetes remission.
How is diabetes reversal different from diabetes remission?
Diabetes remission is the more accurate term to describe a person with diabetes who is successful in adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle to no longer need medication support for 3 months or longer. The criteria for diabetes remission have been agreed upon by medical professionals and accurately represent the condition.
On the other hand, diabetes reversal is the common term used to describe going into diabetes remission. It is not entirely wrong but does not accurately capture what happens with Type 2 diabetes. See “What is diabetes reversal?”
Is there a cure for Type 2 diabetes?
The straight answer is no, and we’ll explain in a bit.
As Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition exacerbated by our modern lifestyle, it can be managed to a point where you no longer need medication – a.k.a going into remission.
Because of our unique history and genetic makeup, some of us are more susceptible to increased glucose levels and insulin sensitivity which are made worse through lifestyle choices.
It is possible to manage and bring glucose levels to their normal range by adopting a healthy diet and active lifestyle. These are key to maintaining healthy glucose levels and staying in diabetes remission.
Is diabetes remission permanent?
Diabetes remission is an ongoing state and is not permanent. That being said, some individuals can maintain their diabetes remission for years and even decades with the right lifestyle modifications.
Remember that diabetes is classified as a lifestyle disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy diet coupled with an active lifestyle to manage glucose levels and keep it within a normal range.
What diet should I have to achieve diabetes remission?
There's no magic diet that will improve sugar control and help you achieve diabetes remission.
We believe that the best diet is always the one that works for you and your unique circumstances. That said, here are some important principles to center your diet around:
Fewer calories
Fewer refined carbohydrates, especially those with added sugars
Fewer foods containing saturated fats
More vegetables and fruits
More foods with fibre
Adequate protein
A dietitian or nutritionist can help you create a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle. This is why we provide nutrition support and guidance for our clients as part of our NOVI Magnum program. Our dietitians teach you to monitor your carbohydrate intake and dietary strategies to help stabilise your blood sugar levels.
Do you have diabetes remission stories?
Yes! We’re proud to share Mr Png’s story and how he achieved diabetes remission in 9 months. Watch his story below.
Just as there is no one diet to rule them all, we also believe that there is no one plan that works for all. This is why we’ve created our diabetes care program, NOVI Magnum, to be personalized for each client. We combine our medical expertise with health coaching to develop a holistic and sustainable plan just for you.
Through NOVI Magnum, we’ve helped our clients improve their glucose control and achieve diabetes remission.
As Featured In
NOVI Health’s Magnum Program, as featured in CNA:
“He was a triathlete for about two years. But when Brandem Liew started his own business, life got too busy, and taking care of his health fell by the wayside. Over five years, he piled on 15 to 16 kilogrammes.
His doctor put him on medication to lower his blood glucose levels, and he worked on his diet with a nutritionist. After a month, there was promising news: Liew had a good chance of remission if he kept his efforts up.
He made the ‘big shift’ from a ‘typical Asian diet’ to something more customised. For instance, he switched all simple carbohydrates for complex ones, which include whole grains and brown rice.
Business owner Liew belongs to the minority and has pushed himself to do even better. In addition to his eating habits, his lifestyle shift has included sleeping and waking early to get his workouts in.
From a blood sugar level of 10.8 per cent when he was diagnosed, he managed to achieve about 6.5 per cent within four months. Diabetes is in remission when a patient’s blood sugar level returns to less than 6.5 per cent for at least three months after stopping medication.
The effort is worthwhile, Liew said. ‘When I achieve remission, I lower the risk of heart disease, I get away from possibly having dialysis. Living longer — I think it’s worth it.’”