Reversing Diabetes with Intensive Insulin Therapy: Insights and Benefits
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Short-term Intensive Insulin Treatment: Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Reverse Early Diabetes
Wang, the deputy general manager of a media editorial department, faced a daunting challenge when his physical examination revealed a fasting blood sugar of 11.0 mmol/L and a postprandial blood sugar of 17.0 mmol/L. His glycosylated hemoglobin was 10.9%. Following his endocrinologist's advice, Wang underwent a week of intensive insulin treatment at the hospital. Upon discharge, his blood sugar levels normalized, and his insulin and C-peptide secretion improved significantly. His doctor transitioned him to a regimen of long-acting insulin, such as Toujeo Max Solostar, combined with oral medications. After three months, he was able to stop all medications.
Throughout the year, Wang diligently monitored his blood sugar, controlled his diet, stayed active, and avoided medication. Remarkably, his subsequent glucose tolerance and insulin release tests returned to normal. The doctor explained that many diabetes patients achieve remission following intensive treatment, with the duration of remission varying from half a year to up to five years.
How Can Diabetes Be Reversed?
In 2012, Professor Accil of Columbia University revealed that "B cell dedifferentiation" is a key mechanism in type 2 diabetes. In early diabetes, some pancreatic B cells enter a self-protective "dedifferentiation state" rather than dying. Adjusting the external environment through treatments like intensive insulin therapy can help these cells "wake up" and restore pancreatic function.
Who is Most Likely to Reverse?
Prediabetics are prime candidates for reversal as their B cells are less impacted. For type 2 diabetes patients, especially those diagnosed within the last two years and who are obese, the probability of reversal is high. Even patients with a longer disease duration have a chance, emphasizing the importance of a strong desire and medical guidance.
Chinese Experts’ Consensus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
The "Expert Consensus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes with Short-term Insulin Intensive Therapy" highlights the effectiveness of this method in improving pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity. The consensus recommends intensive therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients or those whose current treatments are inadequate. The goal is blood sugar normalization, with a treatment course lasting at least two weeks.
Reversal and Remission Explained
Diabetes reversal involves the recovery of pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity, resulting in maintained good blood sugar control even with reduced hypoglycemic treatment intensity. For newly diagnosed or short-term type 2 diabetes patients, reversal means achieving drug-free remission. However, lifestyle management and regular monitoring remain crucial to detect and intervene in any recurrence of hyperglycemia.
Why Can Short-term Intensive Insulin Therapy Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
The therapy aims to enhance pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity. Clinical evidence shows that it significantly improves acute insulin response and insulin resistance indicators, thereby boosting glucose disposal capacity. Lower average blood sugar levels during intensive treatment correlate with higher long-term remission rates.
Who is Suitable for Intensive Treatment?
The "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in China (2020 Edition)" recommend intensive treatment for newly diagnosed patients with high glycosylated hemoglobin or fasting blood glucose levels. Patients with a longer disease duration and higher baseline C-peptide levels may also benefit from this approach.
Preferred Intensive Treatment Programs
Three main programs for short-term insulin intensive treatment exist: multiple daily insulin injections, insulin pumps, and premixed insulin injections. The "Expert Consensus" favors insulin pumps for their effective and stable blood sugar control, although multiple injections are also effective.
Predictors of Successful Reversal
Younger patients with a shorter disease course, higher BMI, lower baseline glycosylated hemoglobin, and higher post-treatment C-peptide levels have a higher likelihood of successful reversal. Cooperation with nutritional and exercise therapies during intensive treatment is essential to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and avoiding fluctuations.
Intensive insulin therapy, including options like Toujeo Max Solostar, offers a promising approach to reversing type 2 diabetes, improving patients' quality of life, and reducing the risk of complications. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Wang, the deputy general manager of a media editorial department, faced a daunting challenge when his physical examination revealed a fasting blood sugar of 11.0 mmol/L and a postprandial blood sugar of 17.0 mmol/L. His glycosylated hemoglobin was 10.9%. Following his endocrinologist's advice, Wang underwent a week of intensive insulin treatment at the hospital. Upon discharge, his blood sugar levels normalized, and his insulin and C-peptide secretion improved significantly. His doctor transitioned him to a regimen of long-acting insulin, such as Toujeo Max Solostar, combined with oral medications. After three months, he was able to stop all medications.
Throughout the year, Wang diligently monitored his blood sugar, controlled his diet, stayed active, and avoided medication. Remarkably, his subsequent glucose tolerance and insulin release tests returned to normal. The doctor explained that many diabetes patients achieve remission following intensive treatment, with the duration of remission varying from half a year to up to five years.
How Can Diabetes Be Reversed?
In 2012, Professor Accil of Columbia University revealed that "B cell dedifferentiation" is a key mechanism in type 2 diabetes. In early diabetes, some pancreatic B cells enter a self-protective "dedifferentiation state" rather than dying. Adjusting the external environment through treatments like intensive insulin therapy can help these cells "wake up" and restore pancreatic function.
Who is Most Likely to Reverse?
Prediabetics are prime candidates for reversal as their B cells are less impacted. For type 2 diabetes patients, especially those diagnosed within the last two years and who are obese, the probability of reversal is high. Even patients with a longer disease duration have a chance, emphasizing the importance of a strong desire and medical guidance.
Chinese Experts’ Consensus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
The "Expert Consensus on Reversing Type 2 Diabetes with Short-term Insulin Intensive Therapy" highlights the effectiveness of this method in improving pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity. The consensus recommends intensive therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients or those whose current treatments are inadequate. The goal is blood sugar normalization, with a treatment course lasting at least two weeks.
Reversal and Remission Explained
Diabetes reversal involves the recovery of pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity, resulting in maintained good blood sugar control even with reduced hypoglycemic treatment intensity. For newly diagnosed or short-term type 2 diabetes patients, reversal means achieving drug-free remission. However, lifestyle management and regular monitoring remain crucial to detect and intervene in any recurrence of hyperglycemia.
Why Can Short-term Intensive Insulin Therapy Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
The therapy aims to enhance pancreatic B cell function and insulin sensitivity. Clinical evidence shows that it significantly improves acute insulin response and insulin resistance indicators, thereby boosting glucose disposal capacity. Lower average blood sugar levels during intensive treatment correlate with higher long-term remission rates.
Who is Suitable for Intensive Treatment?
The "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in China (2020 Edition)" recommend intensive treatment for newly diagnosed patients with high glycosylated hemoglobin or fasting blood glucose levels. Patients with a longer disease duration and higher baseline C-peptide levels may also benefit from this approach.
Preferred Intensive Treatment Programs
Three main programs for short-term insulin intensive treatment exist: multiple daily insulin injections, insulin pumps, and premixed insulin injections. The "Expert Consensus" favors insulin pumps for their effective and stable blood sugar control, although multiple injections are also effective.
Predictors of Successful Reversal
Younger patients with a shorter disease course, higher BMI, lower baseline glycosylated hemoglobin, and higher post-treatment C-peptide levels have a higher likelihood of successful reversal. Cooperation with nutritional and exercise therapies during intensive treatment is essential to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and avoiding fluctuations.
Intensive insulin therapy, including options like Toujeo Max Solostar, offers a promising approach to reversing type 2 diabetes, improving patients' quality of life, and reducing the risk of complications. Always consult with healthcare professionals to tailor the best treatment plan for your individual needs.