Strengthening comprehensive diabetes care with innovative approaches. Thailand’s National Diabetes Remission Programme Strengthening comprehensive

Thailand is facing a rising burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D), with prevalence increasing from 7.1% in 2004 to nearly 11% in 2025. Public health partners in Thailand worked together to address this challenge through new diabetes remission programmes that complement and reinforce comprehensive diabetes care nationwide. 

Diabetes remission refers to maintaining an Glycated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, an indicator of average blood glucose over the previous two to three months, below 6.5% for at least three months without medication. Rather than replacing standard T2D management, remission programmes in Thailand complement existing care by improving metabolic outcomes and encouraging sustained healthy lifestyles in newly diagnosed T2D within five-six years. 

Knowledge

Thailand’s National Diabetes Remission Programme. Strengthening comprehensive diabetes care with innovative approaches (2026 case study)

Building on successful pilots at Bangrakam Hospital, Ban Ta Khun Hospital, Kranuan Hospital and Phimai District Health Office, Thailand has introduced national diabetes remission guidelines (2023) and operational guidance (2024) to support nationwide scale-up. Early results indicate that a substantial number of individuals with T2D achieve remission, while many others experience improved blood sugar control and reduced reliance on medication. By embedding remission into hospital, primary care and community-led services, Thailand is broadening the scope of diabetes care and strengthening its national response