Can type 2 diabetes go into remission?
Some people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission: glucose remains below the diabetes threshold without glucose-lowering medication for a defined period. This is not guaranteed or permanent cure and is not a reason to stop medicines without supervision.
Details
The clinical definition
The usual consensus definition is HbA1c below 6.5% for at least three months after glucose-lowering medicines have been withdrawn under medical supervision. A lower HbA1c while taking treatment indicates improved control but does not by itself meet that definition.
How remission may be achieved
For people with excess weight, sustained weight loss through supported nutrition and activity may help. Metabolic surgery can be appropriate for selected patients. No amount of weight loss guarantees remission for everybody. Unsupervised severe diets or therapeutic fasting can be unsafe with medicines that cause hypoglycaemia.
Follow-up continues
Glucose can rise again. Eye, kidney and foot checks and cardiovascular-risk management remain important. Ask for a retesting and weight-support plan rather than cancelling care because diabetes has supposedly been permanently reversed.
Related reading: What HbA1c target is right for me?.