Early, modest weight loss key to diabetes remission
Extreme calorie restriction is not necessary, say researchers
8th October 2019
By Kemal Atlay
Remission of type 2 diabetes can be achieved through modest weight loss alone if patients are supported to do it in the first few years after diagnosis, a UK study suggests.
Drawing on data from 867 patients who were not on diabetes medication at baseline, researchers investigated the link between weight change and the likelihood of remission at five-year follow-up.
Over that period, 30% of the cohort (mean age, 61) achieved diabetes remission, which was defined as an HbA1c level of 6.5% in the absence of medication or bariatric surgery.