• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Diabetes Everyday

Living your best life with diabetes. Toby Smithson provides professional guidance with personal experience.

  • Diabetes EveryDay
  • Work With Toby
    • Toby in the Media
      • Interviews and Articles
    • Toby’s Books
    • Speaking Out About Diabetes
  • Sharing Toby’s Knowledge
    • Understanding Diabetes
    • Eating Healthy
    • Being Physically Active
    • Medications and Monitoring Health
    • Reducing Stress
    • Staying Motivated
    • Diabetes Resources
  • Meet Toby
    • Contact Toby
  • YouTube Channel
  • Newsletter
You are here: Home / Understanding Diabetes / Can I Get Rid Of (reverse, cure…) My Diabetes?

Can I Get Rid Of (reverse, cure…) My Diabetes?

September 8, 2020 By Toby Smithson

Maybe the most common question I get from patients is “how can I get rid of my diabetes?” Well, in spite of what you may see in ads for supplements or in promises of fad diets the answer is almost certainly “NO.” But, so what? The real question is can you manage diabetes to preserve your long term health? That answer is YES!

Can I Get Rid of My Diabetes?

Hi everyone….Toby Smithson at Diabetes Every Day. I get a lot of my material from questions my “patients ask me, and this is one of the common ones – can I get rid of my diabetes or can I reverse diabetes or can diabetes be cured? These are all basically the same question, and the answer is no……….but. And that’s kind of a big “but” for type 2.

Ok…quick review. When we eat carbohydrates…and “we” is everybody….our digestion frees glucose which is released into our bloodstream raising “blood glucose” or blood sugar levels above the ideal level of between 70 and 99 mg per deciliter of blood.

As blood sugar begins rising the natural process is that our pancreas releases insulin and the insulin rounds up the excess glucose and stimulates cells…primarily muscle and liver cells….to store this excess glucose until it’s needed for energy. Stashing glucose in cells lowers the amount in our blood back to an ideal level.

Type 1 Diabetes – Can I get rid of it?

Ok…in type 1 diabetes the pancreas cannot produce the insulin necessary to get cells to take in glucose, so blood sugar levels go up….and up….and up. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin from an external source…typically this would be an injection or an infusion with an insulin pump.

Several strategies to cure type 1 have been tried with some success, including pancreas transplantation or the transplantation of the islet cells which produce insulin, and other ideas hold promise.

But it would be misleading to say that a cure is available.

Type 2 Diabetes – Can I get rid of it?

Type 2 diabetes is a little less straightforward. In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, or in what’s called prediabetes, there is no shortage of insulin. But the cells that normally respond to insulin by allowing glucose to come into the cell for storage are not being so cooperative.

The cells are becoming resistant to insulin, and blood sugar levels remain higher than normal even as the pancreas cranks out more and more insulin. Over time the pancreas poops out and insulin levels drop. That’s why type 2 diabetes is considered a progressive condition, and why people with type 2 tend to switch medications to address the changes over time.

Fasting Blood Glucose Levels

OK….the standards say that fasting blood glucose levels from 70 to 99 are normal, from 100 to 125 are prediabetes, and  higher than 125 after fasting  or any blood sugar reading of 200 or higher is “diagnostic” for type 2 diabetes. Now…these numbers are not scientific absolutes, like the speed of light.

For instance, the Diabetes Prevention Program beginning in 1996 showed that people with prediabetes reduced their risk for progressing to a diabetes diagnosis by 60 to 70 percent by changing their lifestyle habits, losing a modest amount of weight, and getting educational and goal setting support.

A follow-up study showed this success held for 15 years…they stopped the typical “prediabetes to type 2 diabetes” progression. So, would it be correct to say “that’s all good for prediabetes, but if you ever meet the definition for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes….like a fasting blood glucose of 132 instead of 122 for prediabetes…. then everything changes”? Of course not. These lifestyle changes can make a huge difference wherever you find yourself.

The Bottom Line

But the question of getting rid of diabetes or reversing it or curing it is misplaced. Can you get your fasting blood glucose levels down to a target range for people without diabetes? Maybe, maybe not.

Can you get your A1C below 6.5%? Maybe, maybe not. Can you keep them there for 15 years? Maybe, maybe not.

Can you do it without medication? Maybe, maybe not.

Are you then cured or reversed if you do? What difference does it make? It’s not a contest…you are managing diabetes effectively.

And you can manage diabetes effectively if you need medication, or if you don’t see blood sugar levels in the target range.

Focus on lifestyle, focus on averages, focus on time. The goal is a long and active life managing diabetes, not fretting over what to call it. Thanks for watching, cheers to your health.

You may also like:

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?
  • Sneaky Exercise For Your Diabetes Health

Filed Under: Understanding Diabetes Tagged With: a1c, blood glucose, prediabetes

Toby Smithson Diabetes Everyday

Subscribe on YouTube

Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Keys to Living Well – Toby’s Posts

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes January 8, 2021
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar? January 8, 2021
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Sneaky Exercise For Your Diabetes Health December 17, 2020

Post Archives

Before Footer

tobysmithson

341

tobysmithson

View

Jan 15

Open
Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 14

Open
Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 7

Open
Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher

Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig

Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity

Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to  be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets. 
Here’s the link to see the list.  #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet

Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets.
Here’s the link to see the list. #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 4

Open
Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar.  Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw

Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar. Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 30

Open
I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear 
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement  #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity  https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM

I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity

https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 23

Open
Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why  drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes 
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline

Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 22

Open
Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack  using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy

Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 18

Open
Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video 
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter

Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 14

Open
I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine  for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals

I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube  #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar

Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah!

Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah! ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 4

Open
For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals

For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 27

Open
After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome  TY to our #englishspringerspaniel  and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica

After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome TY to our #englishspringerspaniel and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 26

Open
Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram

Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 21

Open
Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio.  #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd

Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio. #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 19

Open
A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth  #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis  https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier

A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 18

Open
Love this #zucchini casserole as an everyday #sidedish or for #thanksgiving dinner! #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #haveaplant #moreveggies @marlenekochrd

Love this #zucchini casserole as an everyday #sidedish or for #thanksgiving dinner! #diabetesfriendly #lowcarb #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #haveaplant #moreveggies @marlenekochrd ...

Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Keep in touch with diabetes news.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising/ Disclosure
  • Contact Toby
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2021 Diabetes Everyday · Website by Market Me Social Inc.