Diabetes Reversal in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review

Pradnya Gaikar

Abstract: Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has traditionally been viewed as a lifelong, progressive metabolic disorder. Recent scientific evidence, however, demonstrates that sustained remission of T2DM is achievable through targeted lifestyle, dietary, and metabolic interventions that address the underlying pathophysiology rather than only glycaemic control. Aim: This scoping review aims to map the available evidence on interventions facilitating diabetes reversal, summarize underlying physiological mechanisms, identify predictors of remission, and highlight implications for nursing practice. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O?Malley framework with updates from the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Key search terms included "type 2 diabetes remission", "diabetes reversal", "low-calorie diet", "intermittent fasting", "metabolic surgery", and "lifestyle intervention". Of 112 identified records, 48 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analysed thematically. Results: Five major intervention pathways were identified: dietary modification, weight loss strategies, intermittent fasting, physical activity with behavioural change, and bariatric/metabolic surgery. Successful remission was strongly associated with early disease duration, substantial weight reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, reduction in hepatic and pancreatic fat, gut microbiome modulation, and beta-cell functional recovery. Conclusion: Diabetes reversal is a feasible and clinically meaningful outcome in a significant proportion of adults with T2DM. Nurses play a critical role in early identification, patient education, lifestyle counselling, monitoring, and long-term follow-up. Further large-scale Indian studies are required to evaluate sustainability and nurse-led intervention models.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabetes remission, Diabetes reversal, Intermittent fasting, Low-carbohydrate diet, Lifestyle modification

How to Cite?: Pradnya Gaikar, "Diabetes Reversal in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1584-1585, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251219115828, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251219115828