Hello Tracy. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and provide such a well-reasoned response regarding the use of the word “reverse” vs. “cure.” On the whole I agree with you that language is important, and specifically for type 2 diabetes we need to shift from the fatalism associated with the disease to the fact it can be reversed or cured. I did consider using the word “cure” but let me share my thoughts about why I settled on “reverse” instead. As I stated in my story I am not a medical professional, so my opinion of the word “cure” may not be consistent with the clinical definition.

The word “cure” refers to the act of eliminating a disease or its symptoms or the intervention itself. You can cure a sore throat or pneumonia or athlete’s foot. People are careful using the word “cure” for cancer. Usually they say the cancer is in “remission.” Why? Because unfortunately it can come back. So, while you may have a tumor removed and all signs of cancer are gone, people rarely say you are cured of cancer because of the possibility of the return.

In my story I wanted to avoid suggesting that once I reach the place where clinically I am no longer diagnosed as diabetic based on the established criteria, that poof I’m magically cured and can live life “normally.” As you pointed out, the lifestyle factors play a large role and going back to the way I was living would surely cause diabetes to reappear. In that case some people might argue that diabetes was not actually cured. Perhaps the first “case” was cured and now you have a second “case” that also needs be cured as you pointed out.

I like the word “reverse” because of what it implies. My condition developed over a long period of time due to poor lifestyle choices. Like a car going in the wrong direction, at some point I needed to make a U-turn to stop going in that direction and go in the complete opposite direction. Or if I were in a parking lot with no room to turn around, I would put the car in reverse. From inactivity to physical activity. From terrible diet to a healthy diet. For me, the word “reverse” covers both the actions and lifestyle changes as well as the end result of no longer meeting the criteria for the diagnosis. I like that I will be able to say I reversed type 2 diabetes. It feels like I have ownership in it.

I suppose “reverse” has a similar connotation with “remission” in the sense that my diabetes could reappear. In that sense then “cure” is a better choice because it has the clearest sense of finality. Maybe at this stage of my journey I wasn’t feeling confident enough to be bold and say cure.

Again, thank you for your time and encouragement. Be well.