by Justus K'opiyo
(Kampala)
QUESTION:
I suspect I may have diabetes. Can it be cured completely?
Diabetes is generally not described as completely cured. Type 1 diabetes currently requires lifelong management. Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission, meaning their glucose levels return below the diabetes range for a period without glucose-lowering medication, but continued follow-up is still important.
Just suspecting diabetes does not mean that you have it. I would first recommend proper testing through a healthcare professional.
Diabetes can be diagnosed using laboratory tests such as an HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, or a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. A random plasma glucose may also diagnose diabetes when typical symptoms of high blood sugar are present.
For a nonpregnant adult, diabetes is diagnosed at an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher, or a 2-hour OGTT result of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher. Unless there is clear symptomatic hyperglycemia, an abnormal result usually needs confirmation.
Our guide to blood tests for diabetes explains how these tests are performed, while the blood glucose test-results guide can help you understand the diagnostic ranges.
At present, there is no established cure for type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin because the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
Research continues into treatments such as immune therapies and insulin-producing cell replacement, but these are not the same as a routine cure available to everyone.
Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission, particularly after substantial weight loss or other effective treatment. Remission is different from a cure because diabetes can return.
Even during remission, regular medical follow-up remains important because glucose levels can rise again and previous diabetes may still affect long-term health risks.
Do not be discouraged. Diabetes can often be managed very effectively. Treatment may include nutrition changes, physical activity, weight management when appropriate, glucose monitoring, medication, insulin, or a combination of these.
The right treatment depends on which type of diabetes you have, your glucose levels, other health conditions and your individual circumstances.
If you receive a diagnosis, your healthcare professional can also help establish appropriate blood glucose treatment targets.
Important: Do not stop prescribed diabetes medication or insulin because your glucose improves. Treatment changes should be made with your healthcare professional.
If you think you may have diabetes, I would focus first on getting an accurate diagnosis rather than worrying about whether it can be cured. If diabetes is confirmed, the next step is identifying the type and choosing the treatment that gives you the best chance of keeping your glucose safely controlled.
Answer by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc, Family Physician, IDF Fellow
This information is for general education and does not replace individual medical evaluation, diagnosis or treatment.
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