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Diabetes is a disorder that disrupts how the body uses sugar. If you have too much glucose (sugar) in your blood, you have diabetes. When you don’t control your diabetes, it can damage multiple parts of your body, such as your eyes and kidneys. Doctors treat diabetes with medication and recommended lifestyle changes, but you may wonder — can diabetes be reversed?

The best way to control diabetes depends on which type you have. You may need to take insulin, a hormone that moves sugar (glucose) into your cells. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may reverse its symptoms with dietary changes, exercise, and other treatments.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed?

Not all types of diabetes are reversible. It’s important to know whether you have type 1 or type 2.

Type 1 diabetes isn’t reversible, but some people with type 2 diabetes can reach remission. That means their blood sugar stays in a healthy range without the need for diabetes medication.

Diabetes occurs when your levels of insulin aren’t high enough or when your body can’t use the insulin you make. You may need to take medications, including insulin, a hormone that moves sugar into your cells.

Diabetes can occur for different reasons. You may have:

Type 1 diabetes

Your pancreas is an organ that makes substances (enzymes) to help you digest food. It also makes insulin.

If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas makes only a tiny amount of insulin or no insulin at all. Without enough insulin to move glucose to your cells, sugar builds up in your blood.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Your body’s immune system destroys cells in your pancreas and prevents the organ from making insulin. You’ll need to take insulin every day throughout your life if you have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t the same as type 1 diabetes. Your pancreas makes insulin, but it might not make enough. Your cells may also have trouble using insulin to control your blood sugar properly. This is insulin resistance.

Can you get rid of type 2 diabetes? With specific lifestyle changes or treatments, you can control your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about how to reverse type 2 diabetes.

Other diabetes types

Some people develop diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Others may develop the condition after surgery to remove their pancreas or if their pancreas becomes damaged.

Does Diabetes Go Away?

Type 1 diabetes, or diabetes that develops after pancreatic damage or removal, doesn’t go away. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can take steps to control your blood sugar levels.

These steps can help stop diabetes. This is diabetes remission.

When you have type 2 diabetes, you’ll always need to manage the condition — even if it’s in remission. You’ll need to:

• Live a healthy lifestyle.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels.
• See your doctor regularly for checkups.

Your doctor can tell you about steps to get rid of type 2 diabetes symptoms.

Can You Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common diabetes type. The condition develops most often in people who are older than 45 and in people who are overweight or obese.

Knowing your level of diabetes risk is important, especially if you have prediabetes. With prediabetes, your blood sugar is higher than normal, but you don’t have type 2 diabetes yet. You can reverse prediabetes so that you don’t get type 2 diabetes.

Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes symptoms. You should:

Eat a healthy diet

Your body turns sugar molecules called carbohydrates into glucose. Eating too many foods that contain simple/refined carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar. Some carbohydrates are healthier than others and can help you better manage your blood sugar.

What foods reverse type 2 diabetes? Generally, you should fill your plate with mostly:

• Lean proteins like legumes, chicken, and fish.
• Non-starchy vegetables, such as salads.

Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about which foods will meet your needs. A Mediterranean style and predominantly whole food, plant-based diet is considered healthy.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity can help control your blood sugar levels and keep you at a healthy weight. Exercise increases your body’s insulin sensitivity and makes using insulin easier for cells. Muscle contractions also help your cells take in and use glucose for energy.

Manage stress

Taking steps to control stress can help keep your heart healthier and help you manage diabetes. Building mindfulness and meditation into your day can help lower your blood pressure. Managing stress can also help you sleep better.

Quit smoking

Smoking raises your blood pressure and puts stress on your circulatory system. If you smoke, try to quit. Your doctor’s office may have resources to help.

What Is the Fastest Way to Reverse Diabetes?

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to controlling and reversing type 2 diabetes. Having too much fat makes using insulin more difficult for the body. Eating a healthy diet and moving more are two important ways to help maintain a healthy weight.

Sometimes, losing weight through exercise or changing the foods you eat is challenging. There are other methods you can use to try to lose weight if you are obese. Talk to your doctor about:

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is a specific way of eating. You eat only during certain hours and don’t eat anything before or after those hours. Intermittent fasting can help some people burn body fat and lower their risk of diabetes.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help you lose weight and control type 2 diabetes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight loss medications, including GLP-1 drugs.

Weight loss surgery

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery is right for some who have obesity and type 2 diabetes. Weight loss surgery changes the size of your stomach and how food moves from your stomach to your intestines. This helps your body absorb fewer calories to help you lose weight.

Talk to your doctor to learn if bariatric surgery can help reduce your diabetes risk or help reverse your type 2 diabetes.

Avoiding Diabetes Complications

All types of diabetes can cause complications. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause:

• Blood circulation problems heart attacks.
• Eye problems, including vision loss and blindness.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Damage to the nerves.
• Problems with your feet.
• Stroke.

To protect your health, taking steps to reverse type 2 diabetes is essential. Ask your doctor about lifestyle changes you can make. They can give you the information and support you need to manage diabetes and reduce your risk.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 27, 2025, and was last reviewed on June 11, 2025.