What is diabetic honeymoon phase?

Diabetic honeymoon phase, or remission, is a period when a person with type 1 diabetes experiences a temporary improvement in their blood sugar control without the need for insulin or other diabetes medications.

The honeymoon phase typically begins within the first few weeks or months after diagnosis, but it can also occur later. During this time, the person's blood sugar levels may be close to normal, and they may not need to take any medications or follow a strict diet. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

The exact cause of the honeymoon phase is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of factors, which may include:

- The body's own production of insulin: In some people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas continues to produce some insulin, even after the immune system has destroyed most of the insulin-producing cells. This insulin can help to control blood sugar levels.

- Increased insulin sensitivity: During the honeymoon phase, people with type 1 diabetes may become more sensitive to the insulin that they produce or take. This means that their bodies need less insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

- Improved lifestyle factors: People with type 1 diabetes who adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can help to improve their blood sugar control.

This period is not considered a cure for diabetes, and people are likely to eventually require insulin and/or other diabetes medications to manage their blood sugar levels. Nonetheless, this can be a welcome respite for both patients and their family, and is often a time that many patients remember fondly.

The end of the honeymoon period is marked by a gradual increase in blood glucose levels and a decrease in insulin production, requiring the initiation or intensification of insulin therapy.