In contrast to previous thoughts, diabetes does not necessarily need to progress. There is still no known cure but in the early stages can be placed in remission. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of too much insulin resistance, insulin being the key that allows glucose to be transported into the cells for energy. Insulin resistance is caused by mutations of insulin receptors, glucose transporter and signaling proteins. These factors are hereditary, however other factors not related to genetics are influential. These may include obesity, poor diet, inactive lifestyle, lack of sleep, age, smoking, stress or anything causing inflammation in the body.

The most common inflammatory protein that causes insulin resistance is visceral belly fat. Visceral body fat is fat stored deep inside the body. The significance of this fat is that it is hormonal in nature and surrounding the waist can influence impaired glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. In early stages of diabetes and pre diabetes one can lose visceral belly fat by intermittent fasting, decreasing calories, eliminating added sugar and increasing exercise.