Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how your body uses insulin, the hormone that helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. When this process doesn’t work properly, blood sugar levels rise, increasing the risk of serious health issues.
While type 2 diabetes has long been viewed as a progressive condition, research now shows that it can often be reversed, or put into remission, with the right approach.
Reversal vs. Cure
Reversal means bringing blood sugar levels back to a non-diabetic range and maintaining them without most diabetes medications. Reversal is not a cure — the underlying risk remains and blood sugar levels can rise again if healthy habits aren’t maintained. However, achieving normal glucose levels, even temporarily, can significantly improve overall health.
Why Type 2 Diabetes Develops
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Risk factors include excess weight, inactivity, and family history. Over time, rising blood sugar can damage insulin-producing cells, making the condition harder to manage.
Weight plays a major role. Extra body fat, especially around the abdomen, can increase insulin resistance. The good news is that losing just 5–10% of body weight can help improve blood sugar control.
Proven Paths to Reversal
There are several evidence-based approaches that may help reverse type 2 diabetes:
- Healthy eating: Focus on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole foods. Choosing high-quality carbohydrates and reducing refined sugars can help stabilize blood sugar.
- Regular activity: Exercise helps your body use glucose for energy and improves insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, plus strength training.
- Weight management: Sustained weight loss can reduce fat in the liver and pancreas, improving how the body processes insulin.
- Medical support: In some cases, medications or bariatric surgery may be recommended to support weight loss and blood sugar control.
Long-term success depends on consistent habits. Even small changes, like standing up every 30 minutes or choosing water over sugary drinks, can add up over time.
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to define your future. With the right support and sustainable lifestyle changes, many people can improve their blood sugar levels and achieve remission. Even without full reversal, better control can lead to more energy, fewer complications, and an improved quality of life.
Correction: Virta — Type 2 Diabetes Reversal Benefit
The Alaska Teamster-Employer Welfare Trust recently mailed participants about a new benefit, Virta Health for type 2 diabetes reversal. The eligibility language on the mailer was unclear, leading to many of those who applied being declined. At this time, only participants and covered dependents who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are eligible.
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and want to learn more, please contact Trust Customer Service staff at (907) 751-9700 or click here.