For people living with type 2 diabetes (T2D), conversations about management and remission can be complex and at times carry feelings of shame or stigma. Research studies often use very strict protocols and narrowly selected participants, making it hard to see how results translate into real life.

A new systematic review and meta-analysis, recently published in Diabetes Care, helps shed light on what T2D remission really means and how it can be achieved. This is the first study of its kind to evaluate both pharmacological (medication-based) and non-pharmacological (behaviour-based) approaches across 18 randomized controlled trials in 11 countries.

👉 Read paper here

What is T2D Remission?

Remission in T2D means that blood glucose levels return to the normal range without the need for diabetes medication. While this does not mean “cure,” it can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.

What Did the Research Find?

• People were more likely to achieve T2D remission with multi-modal approaches, combining strategies such as medication, nutrition, physical activity, and health coaching.
• Behavioural interventions, primarily focused on low calorie diets, showed the strongest results, with significantly higher T2D remission rates compared to standard care.
• Additional benefits included improved A1C, weight loss, reduced hypoglycemia, and better quality of life.

Still, challenges remain: studies varied widely in design, used strict eligibility criteria, and often applied inconsistent definitions of T2D remission. This makes it difficult to know how well these findings apply across diverse populations.

Beyond the Numbers: Knowledge Products Co-Designed with Patients

At Diabetes Action Canada, we believe research should not stop at publication—it must be translated into resources that people can understand and use. This work was led by Dr. Diana Sherifali and her team, who brought together an integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) group to ensure the research was informed by diverse perspectives. Diabetes Action Canada was invited to join this team, contributing alongside patient partners, researchers, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers to help shape resources grounded in lived and living experience.

Together with our partners at Knowing Diabetes—a hub for trusted information, research opportunities, and expert insights—we’ve developed three key knowledge products:

1. Graphic Novel
   A powerful story following one woman’s journey with newly diagnosed T2D, capturing the emotions, challenges, and successes of striving for T2D remission.
   👉 Read the graphic novel
2. Two-Part Video Series: “Evidence-Based Takes”
   Short, accessible videos narrated by Dr. Megan Racey, breaking down what the research means and sharing helpful messages for people considering T2D remission.
   👉 Watch Part 1
   👉 Watch Part 2
3. Blog Post
   A plain-language reflection on what T2D remission research tells us—and why it matters for people living with diabetes.
   👉 Read the blog

Why This Matters

These tools are designed to increase awareness, promote dialogue, and support informed decision-making around T2D remission. By making the evidence more accessible, we hope to encourage future research that not only tests T2D remission programs, but also considers their long-term sustainability and alignment with patient priorities.

✅ Explore more at Knowing Diabetes and share these resources with your community. Together, we can reduce stigma, spark conversation, and support people living with type 2 diabetes in exploring their options for T2D remission.