India is often known as the “Diabetes Capital of the World”, with around 80 million people with diabetes in India. It could rise to 135 million by 2045. It has become the forefront of groundbreaking research suggesting that reversal-especially of type 2 diabetes.
Recent studies have unveiled promising strategies ranging from lifestyle interventions to cutting-edge therapies. This blog delves into the latest findings that are reshaping our understanding of diabetes management and potential remission.
In a significant breakthrough in diabetes management, Eli Lilly and Company launched Mounjaro in India. It is an innovative and advanced drug for Type-2 diabetes and obesity after CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) approval. It provides an innovative approach for better metabolism health and targets GIP and GLP-1 receptors. (Times of India- 9th April 2025)
The Weight Loss Connection: A Pathway to Remission
Weight loss has emerged as a pivotal factor in managing and potentially reversing T2D. A comprehensive analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reviewed 22 studies and found that:
- 80% of individuals who lost 30% of their body weight achieved complete remission.
- 50% remission was observed in those losing 20–29% of their weight.
- Even a 10% weight loss led to partial remission in many cases.
These findings underscore the profound impact of weight management on diabetes outcomes.
Dietary Interventions: Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Diets
Dietary modifications have shown significant promise in inducing diabetes remission:
Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs)
The DiRECT study demonstrated that participants following an 850-calorie liquid diet for three months achieved a 46% remission rate at one year. Notably, those maintaining a weight loss of over 15 kg had an 80% remission rate.
Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets
Research from Indiana University revealed that a ketogenic diet led to substantial reductions in medication use, with 60% of insulin users discontinuing insulin entirely.
Bariatric Surgery: Surgical Intervention for Remission
For individuals with obesity, bariatric surgery offers a viable route to diabetes remission:
A study supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) found that patients undergoing bariatric surgery achieved better long-term blood glucose control and higher remission rates up to 12 years post-surgery than those receiving medical management and lifestyle interventions.
This suggests that surgical intervention can be a powerful tool in the fight against T2D.
Innovative Therapies: Regenerating Insulin-Producing Cells
Advancements in regenerative medicine are opening new avenues for diabetes treatment:
Harmine and GLP-1 Agonists
A combination therapy using harmine and GLP-1 receptor agonists increased human beta-cell mass by up to 700% in mice, effectively reversing diabetes symptoms.
Stem Cell Therapy
In a groundbreaking case, a 59-year-old man with a 25-year history of T2D achieved insulin independence after receiving a transplant of insulin-producing cells derived from his blood cells.
These therapies offer hope for restoring the body’s natural insulin production capabilities.
Smart Insulin: Responding to Blood Sugar in Real-Time
Technological innovations are enhancing diabetes management:
Glucose-Responsive Insulins (GRIs)
Scientists have developed “smart” insulins that activate only when blood sugar levels rise, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia and improving the quality of life for individuals with type 1 diabetes. This represents a significant step forward in personalised diabetes management.
Lifestyle Modifications: The Power of Diet and Exercise
Combining dietary changes with physical activity can lead to meaningful improvements:
A study published in Diabetologia found that 8% of medicated diabetes patients who adopted a plant-based diet and regular exercise achieved remission, compared to none in the control group. Additionally, 63% were able to reduce their medication dosage.
This underscores the importance of holistic lifestyle approaches in diabetes management.
Along with scientific approaches and innovative drugs, you can follow five healthy habits for efficient diabetes management. Here are the ways for your reference.
Ways to Reduce or Reverse Diabetes: Healthy Habits Pay Off Well
- Lose weight, especially around the waistline. Experts suggest losing weight can significantly reduce or control diabetes.
- 30 minutes of regular exercise or at least 5 days a week
- Keep yourself active, take stairs, walk briskly, etc., and do not stay stationary.
- Eat healthy food at small intervals. Choose food with low glycemic index, chew properly and take care of calories and carbs.
- Yoga, naturopathy, and ayurvedic medicines certified by AYUSH and other authoritative bodies
- Develop healthy habits one at a time. Be patient and enjoy the healthy you.
Conclusion: A New Era in Diabetes Management
The convergence of lifestyle interventions, surgical options, regenerative therapies, and technological advancements is transforming the landscape of diabetes care. While not all individuals may achieve remission, these developments offer a beacon of hope for many. As research continues to evolve, the possibility of reversing diabetes is becoming an attainable goal for a growing number of people.
