6% of people can get rid of type 2 diabetes by losing weight, and the more weight is lost, the greater the chance of curing diabetes. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. PLoS Medicine.
Previous clinical studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes can stop taking medications that control blood sugar levels if they lose enough weight and maintain their new weight. However, it was unknown how many patients could achieve remission through weight loss alone in a real-world setting.
In the new study, researchers used data from 37,326 people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong at the start of the study. Only 6% achieved diabetes remission through weight loss alone and remained in remission eight years after diagnosis. The greatest weight loss in the first year after diagnosis of diabetes was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving diabetes remission.
Two-thirds of patients who initially went into remission had increased blood sugar levels three years after diagnosis. These rates are significantly lower than clinical studies, where remission occurred in 73% of patients one year after diagnosis.
The study means that controlling type 2 diabetes through sustained weight loss is possible in real-world settings, but that very few patients can achieve normal blood sugar levels through weight control alone, especially in the long term. One reason for the difference with clinical trials is that participants in clinical trials receive extensive support from nutritionists, doctors, educators and psychologists.
Previous scientists I learnedEven temporary relief of diabetes reduces the risk of heart disease by 40%.