Recent progress of remission in type 2 diabetes
Zhiyi Zhao1,2,3, Han Yue1,2,3, Xiaoling Zhang1,2,3
1Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 29, 2025
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) may be reversible through interventions like lifestyle changes, surgery, or specific medications. Achieving diabetes remission offers new therapeutic possibilities for patients and clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was historically viewed as a permanent condition requiring lifelong medication.
- Emerging evidence suggests T2DM remission is achievable, shifting therapeutic goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical evidence on T2DM remission strategies.
- To guide clinicians in selecting optimal treatments for diverse patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent clinical evidence and research advancements.
- Focus on intensive lifestyle interventions, metabolic surgery, and pharmacotherapies.
- Inclusion of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dorzagliatin.
Main Results:
- Multiple strategies, including lifestyle modification, bariatric surgery, and specific drug therapies, can induce T2DM remission.
- The review synthesizes data on effectiveness and applicability of various interventions.
- Durability of remission is a key consideration.
Conclusions:
- T2DM remission is a viable therapeutic target, challenging the lifelong disease paradigm.
- Intervention selection should be personalized based on patient characteristics.
- Further research on long-term remission durability is warranted.
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