What is the likelihood of diabetes reversal in a person who is exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight?
Patient: Hello-I am under my dr’s care for a recent (February) type 2 diagnosis.  I am not overweight and I do not drink alcohol.  I changed to a LOW carb diet, no sugar.  I take 1000 mgs of metformin per day.  I am two weeks in on a everyday lap swimming regimen of 2/3 mile.  My blood sugar 3 hours after a meal is 116.  Is it possible to soon go off meds?  Before starting exercise I got my a1c down to 6.5 from a February number of 10.5.  What is the likelihood of diabetes reversal?Thanks for your help. Doctor: Hi,  Diabetes mellitus was initially thought to be an irreversible condition, however recent knowledge has shown that weight loss can reverse the changes.   Data has shown that losing 10 kg of weight reverses diabetes in 2/3rd of patients if done earlier. So you are right, you should focus on diet and exercise to reduce weight.   And if your sugar levels are good, you can always stop drugs. However regular follow-up of blood sugars is necessary. Please do not stop medication without the advice from your doctor.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Muhammad Zahir Shah, Internal Medicine Specialist