The Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Experts are emphasizing the importance of addressing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, such as adopting a plant-based diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing quality sleep, to help reverse type 2 diabetes. With nearly six million people in the UK living with diabetes, there is an urgent need for effective and realistic interventions.
Doctors from The American College of Lifestyle Medicine have demonstrated that evidence-based lifestyle medicine can not only treat but also achieve remission of type 2 diabetes. This approach focuses on the root causes of chronic diseases through simple lifestyle changes, including stress management, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco.
Dr Padmaja Pater, president of the ALCM, stated: ‘Too often, chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes are managed as conditions that patients must live with indefinitely. We believe remission for type 2 diabetes and many other chronic conditions should be the North Star outcome guiding care. This project reflects a shared vision of moving beyond symptom control toward health restoration, extended quality of life, and a more sustainable future for health systems alike.’
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin it produces does not function properly. This hormone is essential for lowering high blood sugar levels. If left unchecked, high blood sugar can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and feet.
It has long been suggested that individuals with type 2 diabetes need to overhaul their lifestyles to manage the condition effectively. Approximately 90% of diabetes cases are type 2, which is linked to obesity, lack of exercise, and chronic stress. Some people are at a higher genetic risk, and experts now believe that more individuals at risk are developing diabetes due to modern lifestyles.
Societal Changes and Rising Diabetes Rates
Researchers from The Norwegian University of Science and Technology studied over 86,000 participants aged between 20 and 79 years old, from 1984 to 2019. Diabetes was confirmed through self-report questionnaires and blood glucose readings. Over time, the researchers found that more people who are susceptible to diabetes are now developing the disease than in the past.
Writing in The Lancet’s Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, the researchers said: ‘We believe it is possible to view this as closely linked to societal changes that may be more conducive to developing diabetes.’ These changes include more sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy ultra-processed foods that make it harder to maintain a healthy weight, and high-pressure working environments that increase stress levels and impact sleep.
The Impact of Sleep on Diabetes Risk
A 2024 study found that getting less than six hours of sleep a night could increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 16%. Even when people ate well, the risk remained high, suggesting that a healthy diet cannot compensate for sleep deprivation. Swedish researchers, who tracked nearly 250,000 Britons, emphasized that sleep plays an important role in overall health.
While further research is needed to understand the link between sleep deprivation and diabetes, studies have shown that lack of sleep can also contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes Risk
Other concerning research has suggested that artificial sweeteners added to supposedly ‘healthier’ fizzy drinks like Diet Coke could trigger type 2 diabetes. Last year, scientists found that aspartame, present in products like Muller Light yoghurts, contributed to a worrying rise in diabetes risk. Those who consumed a combination of additives had more than a 10% increased risk compared to those who avoided artificial ingredients.
Experts believe that artificial sweeteners can significantly alter the gut bacteria, changing how the body absorbs and regulates blood sugar over time, thereby increasing the risk of developing the disease.
NHS Initiatives to Combat Type 2 Diabetes
In response to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the NHS launched its soup and shake diet, which incorporates the pillars of lifestyle medicine. This program has been shown to help thousands achieve remission from type 2 diabetes.
Over 13,000 adults in England were enrolled in the 800-calorie-a-day plan in 2024. Known as the soups and shakes diet, the intervention aims to help followers lose between 22lb and 33lb (10kg to 15kg), which is sufficient for most people to reverse the condition, according to experts.
Alongside the meal plan, patients receive one-to-one support and guidance to help them sustain a healthy lifestyle, reintroduce healthy foods, and maintain weight loss. Medications for type 2 diabetes and blood pressure are also discontinued during the program.
