Can You Get Rid of Diabetes?

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Diabetes is one of the world’s most common chronic diseases. Many wonder if it can be completely cured – or if it is mainly about managing the condition. The answer depends on the type of diabetes and what is meant by “getting rid of it.”

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Two types of diabetes – two different answers

It is essential to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They share a name and some symptoms, but they are two very different diseases with different causes, treatments, and outcomes. Therefore, the answer to “can you get rid of diabetes?” is different depending on the type.

Can you get rid of type 1 diabetes?

No – there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot regulate blood sugar, which is why people with type 1 must take insulin for life [1].

However, research is moving forward. Scientists are exploring stem cell therapies to replace destroyed cells and immunotherapies that may slow down the disease. Technological solutions, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, have also made everyday life much easier for many [2].

Can you get rid of type 2 diabetes?

Here the outlook is more hopeful. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to overweight, diet, and lack of physical activity. In some cases, the disease can go into remission – meaning blood sugar levels return to normal without medication.

Studies show that significant weight loss early in the disease process is the strongest factor. One example is the UK DiRECT study, where nearly half of participants achieved remission after one year on a strict low-calorie diet [3].

It is important to note, however, that remission is not the same as a cure. The risk of relapse remains, especially if weight is regained or old habits return.

What does remission mean?

Remission means the disease no longer shows up in the form of high blood sugar – but it still exists in the background. It can be compared to “turning off the light in a room,” while the electricity is still connected. If weight increases again or lifestyle habits worsen, the light switches back on – and diabetes returns.

In other words: remission allows a person to live as if they don’t have diabetes, but it requires ongoing attention to health. The earlier remission is achieved, the higher the chances of maintaining it long term.

What does research say about the future?

For type 1, researchers hope to eventually stop the disease process or replace the destroyed cells. For type 2, the focus is both on prevention and new treatments. New drugs, such as GLP-1 analogues, already help lower blood sugar and support weight loss, significantly improving outcomes for many.

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