Hi, for Type 1 diabetes, insulin will be the only option as the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes is the inability of the pancreas to release any insulin. But insulin injections will be able to keep Type 1 diabetes patients safe and healthy - without insulin, they can fall seriously ill with a condition called Diabetes Ketoacidosis and can be life-threatening.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated with tablets and even insulin as well. It does depend on how the glucose levels and HbA1c levels are before doctors can discuss on treatment options for patients.

Intensive lifestyle changes can improve chances of coming off medications in about 7-10% of type 2 diabetes patients. But this also depends on a few factors - how long has the diabetes been, is the patient already requiring insulin and how much weight has been lost with the lifestyle intervention. Those with shorter duration of diabetes, only taking tablets and able to lose more weight with intensive lifestyle changes have better chance of being taken off medications.