Can you really reverse type 2 diabetes? What a major trial found
For many people, yes. Doctors call it remission: blood sugar back in the normal range without diabetes medicines. Here's what the research shows and how to give yourself the best chance.
Medically reviewed by Dr LJ Ncube, MBChB · Updated November 2026
What remission means
Remission means your HbA1c stays below 6.5% for at least 3 months after stopping all diabetes medicines. It isn't called a cure, because sugar can rise again if weight comes back, so you still need regular checks.
Show as a table
| Gained weight | 0% in remission |
| Lost 0 to 5 kg | 7% in remission |
| Lost 5 to 10 kg | 34% in remission |
| Lost 10 to 15 kg | 57% in remission |
| Lost 15 kg or more | 86% in remission |
Source: Lean MEJ, et al. Lancet. 2018.
What the research shows
In a large UK study called DiRECT, people with type 2 diabetes followed a low-calorie plan with support to lose weight and keep it off. After one year:
- Almost half were in remission
- Of those who lost 15 kg or more, about 9 in 10 were in remission
- The more weight people lost, the better their chances
The reason: losing weight removes fat from the liver and pancreas, which helps the pancreas make insulin properly again.
Who has the best chance
- People diagnosed in the last 6 years or so
- People who aren't on insulin
- People who can lose a significant amount of weight, often 10 to 15 kg, and keep it off
Even if remission isn't possible for you, losing weight usually means better sugar control, fewer medicines and lower risk of complications.
How to do it safely
Don't stop diabetes medicines or start a very low-calorie diet on your own. Some medicines, such as gliclazide, glibenclamide and insulin, can cause dangerously low sugar when you eat much less. Your doctor needs to reduce them as you go.
- A doctor-supervised weight loss plan, sometimes with a low-calorie phase or weight-loss medication
- Regular sugar checks while your medicines are reduced
- Help from a nutritionist to keep the weight off long term
- Activity you can keep up, such as daily walking
- Yearly checks of your eyes, feet and kidneys, even in remission
Answer a few questions online and our doctor will reply on WhatsApp, usually within 24 hours.
Common questions
Is remission the same as a cure?
No. Sugar can rise again, especially if weight returns. That's why regular checks continue.
Can I reverse diabetes if I'm on insulin?
It's less likely, but losing weight can still reduce how much insulin you need. Talk to your doctor first.
Do weight-loss injections help with remission?
They can help you lose the weight. Remission is only confirmed once you're off all diabetes medicines, so your doctor will plan this with you.
Related
Sources
We base our guides on peer-reviewed research and guidance from health authorities. Where studies disagree or evidence is limited, we say so.
- Lean MEJ, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT). Lancet. 2018. PubMed
- Lean MEJ, et al. Durability of the DiRECT intervention: 2-year results. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019. PubMed
- Riddle MC, et al. Consensus report: definition and interpretation of remission in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2021. PubMed
- Taylor R, et al. Remission of human type 2 diabetes requires decrease in liver and pancreas fat content. Cell Metab. 2018. PubMed
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Speak to a doctor before starting or changing any medicine.
