Non-intensive weight loss associated with T2D "remission"

[Eddy Edson]

Adding to the evidence that many can get to "remission" via gentler weight loss without having to go "full Newcastle", if that suits you better.

Fairly large UK prospective study with 5 yr follow up. "Remission" defined as HbA1c < 48. No meds. Lifestyle changes other than weight loss didn't show any siginificant association.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dme.14122

What's new?

• Biochemical remission of Type 2 diabetes in the absence of pharmacological or surgical intervention has been shown to be achievable.
• This has been previously demonstrated in short‐term studies and only in selected populations through intensive weight loss programmes.
• We found that weight loss of ≥10% in the first few years after diagnosis was strongly associated with remission of Type 2 diabetes at 5 years.
• This was achieved without intensive lifestyle interventions or extreme calorie restrictions.
• Our findings should inform discussions with people who have newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes as a motivation towards remission of the disease without restrictive and sometimes unachievable calorie restrictions.

 

[Andy HB]

I think this chimes very closely with my experience.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

"as a motivation towards remission of the disease without restrictive and sometimes unachievable calorie restrictions."

Sounds a bit like the general Forum approach. Though crucially here T2s usually inform their dietary changes using a BG meter to aim for lower-spike meals often by moderating/reducing carb intake to a greater or lesser extent depending on the individual.