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Is Diabetes Remission Really as Hard to Achieve as a New Study Suggests?

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed by Diet Alone?

A landmark study published in The Lancet in 2017 showed that type 2 diabetes could be reversed by diet alone. The Direct study, as it is known, involved an intensive weight-loss programme and support throughout the study, resulting in 46% of participants being able to put their diabetes in remission after one year. This finding has led to “path to remission” diabetes remission programmes being rolled out across the NHS.

New Study Raises Questions About Real-World Success Rates

A recent study from Hong Kong suggests that remission of type 2 diabetes is far less common in the real world. The study found that remission occurred in only 6% of participants, leading to headlines suggesting remission from type 2 diabetes was rare and expert media comments that it was “a little bit depressing.”

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But is This Study Representative of Real-World Situations?

It seems that the study’s findings may be limited by the fact that it was not a programme aimed at achieving remission. The researchers only reported data on clinical checks that the people with type 2 diabetes had, and did not provide information on whether the participants received support and guidance on making lifestyle changes.

The Importance of Support and Guidance

The chances of remission are increased in people who lose a substantial amount of weight, whether through bariatric surgery or diet. These interventions were not supported and were therefore uncommon in the Hong Kong data. Changing diet and lifestyle in a supportive environment could have been what was missing in the Hong Kong study.

What About Other Studies?

There are other studies that have shown success in achieving remission with low-carbohydrate diets, Mediterranean diets, and vegan diets. The key is to find a diet that people will stick with in the long run.

Dr David Unwin’s Success with Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Dr David Unwin, a UK-based GP, has helped 20% of his type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission by advising them on the type of low-carbohydrate diet to follow and offering one-to-one support over the phone.

Easier for Some, but Not Impossible for Others

Achieving remission is easier for some people, such as men, people who lose more than 15kg of body weight, and people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes fairly recently. However, this shouldn’t discourage people who don’t meet these criteria. Any weight loss and improvement in diabetes control will improve a person’s health and should always be encouraged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Hong Kong study’s findings may be concerning, it is important to note that the study’s limitations and the importance of support and guidance in achieving remission. There are many success stories out there, and with the right approach, it is possible for people with type 2 diabetes to achieve remission and improve their overall health.

FAQs

Q: What is the success rate of type 2 diabetes remission in real-world situations?

A: According to the Hong Kong study, remission occurred in only 6% of participants. However, other studies have shown success rates ranging from 20% to 46%.

Q: What are the most effective diets for achieving type 2 diabetes remission?

A: Low-carbohydrate diets, Mediterranean diets, and vegan diets have all been shown to be effective in achieving type 2 diabetes remission.

Q: How important is support and guidance in achieving type 2 diabetes remission?

A: Support and guidance are crucial in achieving type 2 diabetes remission. Without support and guidance, people may not be able to make the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve remission.

Q: What are the benefits of achieving type 2 diabetes remission?

A: Achieving type 2 diabetes remission can improve overall health, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life.