Intense Lifestyle Changes Required to Reverse and Cure Diabetes. Diabetes is Caused by Poor Diet and Inactive Lifestyle The New England Journal of Medicine concludes that `the majority of cases of Type II diabetes could be prevented by the adoption of a healthier lifestyle`. Diet is the single most important factor which leads to metabolic dysfunction, loss of blood sugar and insulin control and excessive levels of triglycerides which become stored as abdominal fat. Many other factors contribute including lack of physical activity, smoking and environmental pollutants and toxins. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease which can be prevented by following a natural diet, getting regular exercise and limiting exposure to household and environmental toxins.