A groundbreaking study has revealed that Type 2 diabetes can potentially be reversed for a minimum of two years through a dedicated weight management diet. Astonishingly, over one-third of participants who adhered to a stringent diet supported by the NHS were still in remission after 24 months, according to the outcomes of a UK trial.
Researchers involved in the study have boldly declared that these results “pull down the curtain on the era of Type 2 diabetes as an inevitably progressive disease”. They argue that significant weight loss is a key factor in maintaining the condition’s remission.
The trial, which was funded by Diabetes UK, saw around 300 individuals from Scotland and Tyneside with Type 2 diabetes take part. Participants were either given standard diabetes care from their GP or enrolled in a weight management programme.
Those in the programme consumed approximately 800 calories daily for up to five months and received guidance from a nurse or dietitian to keep the weight off. The initial findings, released in 2017, indicated that 46% of those involved had reversed their Type 2 diabetes after the first year.
The most recent data from the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) reveals that almost two-thirds (64%) of participants who shed more than 10kg via the programme were in remission following the second year. Moreover, those who remained free of Type 2 diabetes during the second year, having been in remission after the first, achieved an average weight loss of 15.5kg, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Among those participants who fell short of maintaining their remission, the average weight loss recorded was 12kg. Prof Roy Taylor from Newcastle University commented: “These results are a significant development, and finally pull down the curtain on the era of Type 2 diabetes as an inevitably progressive disease.”
“We now understand the biological nature of this reversible condition. However, everyone in remission needs to know that evidence to date tells us that your Type 2 diabetes will return if you regain weight. Even during the second year of freedom from Type 2 diabetes there was a highly suggestive difference in major complications of diabetes.”
“The numbers are still small at the moment, and further information on this must be gathered during the planned longer-term follow-up.”
Type 2 diabetes, a widespread condition leading to excessively high blood glucose levels, may see improvement through weight management. The study suggests slimming down can reduce pancreatic fat, thereby aiding the organ’s recovery and enhancing insulin production.
Diabetes UKs director of research, Dr Elizabeth Robertson, stated: “These results further challenge the perception that Type 2 diabetes needs to be a lifelong condition for everyone diagnosed with it. Remission of Type 2 diabetes can be life-changing. DiRECT offers one potential solution, we are committed to working with the researchers and the NHS to ensure these exciting findings reach people with Type 2 diabetes as soon as possible.”
NHS England declared in November that as many as 5,000 patients would be put on a liquid diet of just over 800 calories per day for three months. This follows the success of trials and forms part of its strategy to prevent diabetes.
The trial’s results, conducted by Newcastle University and the University of Glasgow, were showcased at a Diabetes UK conference and published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.