Research

Hormonal

Higher baseline insulin secretion is a key biological predictor of regression from pre-diabetes to normal glucose regulation, suggesting that preserving beta-cell function is critical for reversal.

Your body's ability to produce insulin is crucial for reversing pre-diabetes. The study found that people with higher insulin secretion were more likely to return to normal glucose levels. While you can't directly 'dose' insulin secretion, lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) help preserve this function. This is particularly important for older adults, as age-related decline in insulin secretion can impede reversal. Focus on lifestyle changes to support your beta-cells.

StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
Greater insulin secretion (1.09, P = 0.04)... predicted regression to NGR... Insulin secretion, and other biologic processes retained with younger age, are key in restoring NGR in people with pre-diabetes.
Leigh Perreault et al. · Diabetes Care · 2009

Why this rating

Derived from the same high-quality RCT (DPP) with multivariate analysis controlling for other factors.

Source

Regression From Pre-Diabetes to Normal Glucose Regulation in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Leigh Perreault et al. · Diabetes Care · 2009

DOI 10.2337/dc09-0523

rct · n=3234Cited 210×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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