Caregiver Questions: Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes​?

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (high blood glucose). According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, mostly type 2 diabetes. Prevalence is even higher in adults over 65. 

If you care for someone with diabetes, they need regular care to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and to avoid or minimize complications, like kidney or heart disease. They might also be able to reverse their condition with specific steps as directed by their medical team. As a caregiver, you can play an important role in helping them achieve remission.

This article will describe:

• If diabetes can be reversed
• Lifestyle modifications to reverse prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

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Can Diabetes Be Reversed? 

Diabetes reversal is also known as diabetes remission. A cure isn’t really possible, as diabetes is a chronic condition. That means it can go into remission, but also come back and start causing symptoms again. Remission depends on several factors, including the type of diabetes. 

Prediabetes

Prediabetes isn’t actually diabetes. If your care recipient has been told they have prediabetes, it means they have high blood sugar (glucose) that’s not high enough to be considered diabetes. Healthy blood glucose levels are considered to be between 70 and 99 mg/dL. Doctors typically diagnose prediabetes when blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL.

Having prediabetes significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes; however, lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can make it possible to reverse. 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs as the body develops insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that maintains normal blood sugar levels. Insulin sensitivity drops over time, and the pancreas can no longer keep up, leading to significant insulin resistance and ultimately, diabetes. 

Did You Know? Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dL or higher.

The general consensus is that many people can reverse type 2 diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. Type 2 diabetes remission depends on making healthy lifestyle changes. The process is easier and more effective for some people than others. Why it varies by patients is not well understood, but everyone with a diabetes diagnosis can benefit from developing healthier habits. 

Even if your care recipient with type 2 diabetes doesn’t achieve full remission, their efforts have benefits. Healthy changes make it easier to maintain normal blood sugar levels and they reduce the risk and severity of complications. 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. It is also known as juvenile diabetes because it is often diagnosed in childhood. Genetics plays a significant role in developing type 1 diabetes, but its exact causes are not fully understood.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, insulin production is minimal and not enough to survive. They rely on regular injections of insulin to manage blood glucose levels.  

Unlike in type 2 diabetes, caused by insulin resistance, the damage cannot be reversed. Remission is unfortunately not possible in type 1 diabetes because the pancreas will never produce enough insulin. 

How To Reverse Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes

If you are a caregiver of someone with type 2 diabetes or an older adult who is at risk for diabetes, you can help them take steps toward remission. Your role in this process is important. 

Diabetes remission most often depends on lifestyle changes and changing long-term habits. Your encouragement and practical assistance will help your care recipient be more successful. 

Weight Loss

According to Diabetes UK, evidence suggests that weight loss is the most effective way to manage and potentially reverse diabetes. The other lifestyle factors that increase the risk for diabetes (poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle) at least partially contribute by causing weight gain. 

This means that changing to a healthier diet, probably with reduced calories, and exercising more, can help contribute to weight loss and the reversal of type 2 diabetes. 

For many people, dietary changes and exercise alone are not enough to lose significant weight. Some patients benefit from weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery. Talk to your care recipient and their medical team to determine whether this is a suitable option.

Another option might be diabetes medications. Type 2 diabetes patients typically take medications that help lower blood sugar. There are several classes of these drugs, but one new type is particularly effective at helping people lose weight. GLP-1 agonists were designed to manage blood sugar but also help with weight loss and weight management. 

Healthy Diet

Even if your care recipient is undergoing weight-loss surgery or using a GLP-1 medication to help them lose weight, they still need to develop better eating habits. A poor diet can lead to high blood sugar and instability in blood glucose levels. 

A diet high in sugar, calories, and saturated fats is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Changing it is a key factor in remission.  

You can make dietary changes easier for your care recipient by helping them purchase and prepare healthier meals and snacks. These are some basic guidelines: 

• The Diabetes Plate for meal planning provides simple recommendations. For every meal, fill half of a nine-inch plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with carbohydrates, and one quarter with protein. 
• For protein, choose lean animal sources and plant sources, like fish, low-fat dairy, and legumes. 
• For carbohydrates, choose whole grains, like brown rice, whole grain bread, and legumes. 
• Avoid saturated fats and use a small amount of healthy fats, like avocados and olive oil. 
• Change out foods with added sugar for fresh, whole fruit, which also has fiber to reduce blood sugar spikes. 
• Avoid highly processed foods. For example, a bag of potato chips.
• Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Choose water and other zero-calorie drinks. 

Expert Tip: Consider working with a dietician to develop healthy, appropriate meal plans.

Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for diabetes. Here are some additional tips for getting active: 

• Start slowly and work toward more exercise. Starting too quickly with too much can lead to injuries. 
• Start with short walks. A walk is simple and free. 
• Encourage them to exercise with others, like family members or friends. Exercising with others is more fun and improves accountability. 
• Consider joining a gym or classes at a local senior center or community center. 
• If you are thinking of working with a personal trainer, be sure they understand the needs of older clients and those with diabetes. 
• Once your care recipient is able to exercise more, be sure to include cardio activities, strength training, and balance exercises. 

Remember: Talk to your care recipient’s medical team before trying any new type of exercise.

Stress, Sleep, & Mental Health

Mental health issues and poor sleep can be risk factors for diabetes. Living with diabetes can also cause or worsen these issues. Anything you can do to help your care recipient manage stress, relax, and sleep better will help them manage their chronic illness. 

Exercise can improve stress and sleep. You can also help your care recipient manage stress by trying relaxation activities, like meditation. Start a soothing bedtime routine to help them get sleepy each night and avoid late-night screen time and too much drinking or eating. 

If your care recipient continues to struggle with mental health issues, they could benefit from therapy. Talk to their doctor about options. 

Diabetes Remission Results Vary

It’s important to understand that diabetes patients are all unique. According to the American Diabetes Association, some people need to put in more to manage and reverse type 2 diabetes than others. 

Set reasonable goals and expectations for reversing diabetes. Don’t promise your care recipient that they will achieve remission. Focus on the fact that making positive changes will improve their disease control, overall health, and quality of life. All of your efforts will help them better maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 

References

1. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). How type 2 diabetes progresses. American Diabetes Association. 
2. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Statistics about diabetes. American Diabetes Association. 
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Type 2 diabetes: What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. 
4. Diabetes UK. (n.d.). Can you reverse type 2 diabetes? Diabetes UK.