Weight control to reverse diabetes!

Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by following an intensive weight control program, according to a randomized study in adults who have had the disease for up to 6 years. This is the hopeful news of a new study published in The Lancet. According to it, after 1 year, the participants had lost an average of 10 kg. And almost half had returned to a non-diabetic state without using any diabetes treatment. “Rather than addressing the cause of the problem, general treatment guidelines focus on lowering blood sugar levels through drug treatments. Diet and lifestyle are discussed. But remission of diabetes by reducing calories is rarely discussed.” Explains Professor Roy Taylor from the University of Newcastle, co-leader of the study. The weight control program began with a diet replacement phase. It consists of a low-calorie diet (825-853 calories per day for 3 to 5 months). Followed by phased reintroduction of foods (2-8 weeks) and continued weight loss support. Including cognitive behavioral therapy combined with strategies to increase physical activity. Antidiabetic and blood pressure lowering medications were discontinued at the beginning of the program. The primary outcomes were weight loss of 15 kg or more (sufficient to achieve diabetes remission in most cases) and diabetes remission. Remission was defined as achieving a glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of less than 6.5% at 12 months, without medications. On average, participants in the weight control group lost 10 kg of body weight. Compared to 1 kg in the control group. Importantly, the results showed that remission was closely related to the degree of weight loss. And it occurred in 9 out of 10 people who lost 15 kg or more. And almost three quarters (47/64) of those who lost 10 kg or more. This is excellent news for our patients with type 2 diabetes.** Apart from highlighting the importance of their eating habits.