Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWeight & Type 2 DiabetesHealthy WeightDiabetes ReversalAfter Diabetes ReversalFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Weight & Type 2 Diabetes
Healthy Weight
Diabetes Reversal
After Diabetes Reversal
Frequently Asked Questions
Having excess weight or obesity is the leadingrisk factorfortype 2 diabetes. Almost 90% of the 37 million Americans with type 2 diabetes are classified as having excess weight or obesity.If you have excess weight, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is about 2.4 times higher than those at a healthy weight. For those who have obesity, the risk is about 6 times higher.
The good news is that losing weight and making other lifestyle changes may help reverse diabetes and prevent long-term health complications. Research shows that substantial weight loss through healthy lifestyle habits, medication, or surgery can prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes.
This article explores what it takes to lose weight and how you can potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.
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Connection Between Weight and Type 2 Diabetes
Research shows that extra fat around the liver and visceral fat (the fat surrounding organs) plays a role in blocking insulin, preventing glucose from entering the cells.The higher a person’s body fat percentage, the harder it is for their cells to respond properly to insulin.
While carrying extra weight anywhere in the body can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, evidence suggests that people who carry excess abdominal (belly) fat are at a greater risk of the disease.
Achieving a Healthy Weight
Weight loss is proven to help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes. Research shows that losing even as little as 3% to 5% of your body weight through healthy lifestyle changes can help control diabetes.If you have type 2 diabetes, makinglifestyle changesto lose extra weight can help control your blood sugar levels, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall health and well-being.
Diet and Exercise
One study found that people who have obesity and type 2 diabetes and followed a six-month diet plan lost an average of 30 pounds, and nearly half achieved remission (reversal) of diabetes.
Medication
Another injectable option istirzepatide, a GLP-1 and GIP agonist, which also lowers weight and improves blood sugar.
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known asweight loss surgeryor metabolic surgery, is a procedure that modifies the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and promote weight loss. The procedure is designed to reduce food intake and decrease hunger to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Bariatric surgery is currently available only for people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or people with a BMI greater than 35 with a comorbidity (having two or more conditions simultaneously)—such as type 2 diabetes—and an inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
There are various bariatric surgeries performed, including the following:
One study exploring the impact of bariatric surgery on people with obesity and type 2 diabetes found that 64% of participants achieved remission (reversal) within one year post-procedure.A research review found that bariatric surgery can effectively reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 80% of people—and quickly.For some, blood sugar levels may return to healthy levels within hours or days after the procedure.
What Is Diabetes Reversal?
Diabetes reversal, or remission, is defined as sustaining blood glucose levels within anormal rangefor three months or more without takingdiabetes medication.Weight loss through healthy lifestyle habits and/or bariatric surgery has been proven to help achieve diabetes reversal.
In a recent clinical trial, people with type 2 diabetes followed a lifestyle intervention program that included eating alow-calorie dietand getting regular exercise. At the end of one year, study participants lost an average of 26 pounds, and about 61% successfully achieved remission of diabetes.
How Long Does It Take to Reverse Diabetes?There is no definitive time frame for successful diabetes reversal. Individual factors, including age, how long you’ve had type 2 diabetes, and whether you have excess weight or obesity, influence how long it takes to reverse diabetes.
How Long Does It Take to Reverse Diabetes?
There is no definitive time frame for successful diabetes reversal. Individual factors, including age, how long you’ve had type 2 diabetes, and whether you have excess weight or obesity, influence how long it takes to reverse diabetes.
Your healthcare provider will regularlymonitor your blood sugar levelsto check for signs of elevated blood glucose to ensure you are still in remission. Some people may experience diabetes relapse and require diabetes medications in addition to making lifestyle changes to control their blood sugar levels.
Summary
Having excess weight or obesity is the leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Studies show that substantial weight loss, either through lifestyle changes, medication, or bariatric surgery, may lead to diabetes reversal (remission) in some people with type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle changes that support weight loss include eating a low-calorie diet, avoiding processed sugars, and getting about 150 minutes of exercise per week. There are also medications available that can help with weight management. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for weight loss that is proven effective at reversing type 2 diabetes in some people with obesity.
Diabetes remission (reversal) is not a cure. To prevent relapse, people who have successfully achieved remission must maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
A Word From Verywell
If you have type 2 diabetes and obesity, making certain lifestyle changes may help you reverse the condition. It’s important to remember that losing weight takes time—stick with your healthy habits and know that the work you’re putting into achieving a healthy weight will support your overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhile there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, diabetes remission (reversal) is possible through substantial weight loss in people who have excess weight and obesity. Eating a low-calorie diet, regularly exercising, and/or having bariatric surgery are all proven treatments to reverse diabetes.Yes. Weight gain is associated with diabetes relapse. Once remission is achieved, it requires a lifelong sustained effort to maintain a healthy weight and stay active to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, diabetes remission (reversal) is possible through substantial weight loss in people who have excess weight and obesity. Eating a low-calorie diet, regularly exercising, and/or having bariatric surgery are all proven treatments to reverse diabetes.
Yes. Weight gain is associated with diabetes relapse. Once remission is achieved, it requires a lifelong sustained effort to maintain a healthy weight and stay active to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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