In a recent consensus statement, diabetes experts defined what it means to become disease-free from Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a terrible disease that dramatically increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney damage, eye damage, damage to nerves called neuropathy, dementia, and premature death.

Yet with early treatment involving aggressive lifestyle changes, diet, and sometimes bariatric surgery, the disease, although not curable, can be put into remission.

In other words, type 2 diabetes does not have to be a chronic disease.

Recently diabetes experts published a consensus statement that defined the term “remission” for type 2 diabetes.

They say remission can be diagnosed when a person with type 2 diabetes has achieved a return of their hemoglobin A1C, a blood test that measures glucose control, to less than 6.5% for at least 3 months after the cessation of any glucose-lowering medications.

The consensus statement said “remission” is a better term than “resolution”, “reversal”, or “cure” since it strikes an appropriate balance between the diabetes not being active and progressive, but also recognizing improvement may not be permanent.

But the good news is that diabetes remission is not a myth and is actually a reality.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.