Lifestyle Intervention Reverses Type 2 Diabetes in Study

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas suggests a significant advancement in diabetes management. The RESET for Remission trial demonstrated that a strict routine of a low-calorie diet combined with supervised strength and aerobic training helped more than half of participants reverse type 2 diabetes within six months.

Key Findings

Researchers found that 54% of participants under 45 years old achieved disease remission when following the intensive lifestyle program. In comparison, only 4% of those receiving standard medical care reached similar results.

“Our study shows that it is possible to combine a low-calorie diet with supervised exercise in young adults with type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, lead author of the study.

Participants and Methods

The study enrolled 96 adults aged 18 to 45, all diagnosed with early-onset type 2 diabetes and living with obesity. Participants in the intervention group ceased their blood sugar and blood pressure medications under supervision and followed an intensive daily diet of 800 to 900 calories. Initially, participants used meal-replacement products for two weeks. Then, for ten weeks, they had one structured meal daily.

Success Through Supervised Training

The program incorporated aerobic and resistance training twice weekly, supporting calorie restriction efforts. Participants were also encouraged to engage in one weekly solo workout. Researchers emphasized the importance of resistance training to prevent muscle loss, a risk linked with rapid weight loss. The study recorded that only 10% of participants did not complete the final evaluations.

Outcomes and Observations

Participants lost an average of 18.5 pounds in 24 weeks and experienced increased treadmill endurance and cardiovascular fitness. To achieve remission, they needed to maintain healthy blood sugar levels below an HbA1c threshold of 6.5% without medication for at least 12 weeks. Improved muscle health and metabolism were noted, with no decrease in muscle mass and increased handgrip strength.

Among the intervention group, mild to moderate side effects, such as headaches and fatigue, were reported, especially in the early weeks. No severe medical issues emerged during the study.

Considerations and Limitations

While the findings are promising, the trial’s small scale and short duration present limitations. Dr. Dasgupta noted the inability to fully segregate the benefits attributed to diet and exercise separately.

Maintaining diabetes remission remains challenging, as continuing the program outside a clinical setting poses difficulties. Longer-term studies are required to confirm the sustainability of weight loss and muscle preservation.