Diabetes remission: Myth or reality?

Abstract

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. DM is recognized as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular mortality. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to various long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. Optimum control of glycemia is desirable to prevent these complications to improve quality of life and decrease mortality. The concept of remission or reversal of diabetes is evolving for many decades and various definitions and approaches to achieve remission also have evolved. Obesity-related surgeries had shown remarkable control of blood glucose levels. Recently, therapy directed toward weight loss either by medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, or anti-diabetic medications seems promising in achieving remission of diabetes.