With recent stories in the media, where certain areas of the UK were offered meal replacements on the NHS to help with the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, we wanted to highlight some key points regarding the evidence behind this approach and Remission of Type 2 Diabetes.
What is remission of Type 2 Diabetes?
Remission of Type 2 diabetes is when someone’s blood glucose levels are maintained at a normal range, without the use of diabetes medication to lower blood glucose levels.
The Research
The study was led by the University of Glasgow and Newcastle University and it was funded by the charity organisation Diabetes UK. The people involved in the trial:
- Aged 20-65 years old
- Had Type 2 Diabetes for less than 6 years
- Had a body mass index (BMI) of 27-45 kg/m2 (overweight to morbidly/severely obese)
- Had not been using insulin as part of their treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
As part of the trial, these people received:
- Total meal replacements, with approximately 800-850 calories per day for 12-20 weeks
- Medical supervision to ensure appropriate changes in prescribed medications
- Support with food reintroduction over 2-8 weeks after the meal replacements
- Structured support for weight loss maintenance thereafter
The Results
- Just over 1 in 3 participants (35.6%) achieved remission of their Type 2 Diabetes at 2 years
- Almost 1 in 5 participants (24%) maintained weight loss of more than 10 kg at 2 years
- The likelihood of achieving remission was stronger with higher amounts of weight loss
- Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) achieved Remission of Type 2 Diabetes by losing 5 – 10 kg
- Almost 2 in 3 participants (60%) lost 10 kg more body weight
- More than 2 in 3 (70%) achieved Remission of Type 2 Diabetes by losing more than 15 kg
It is important to note that remission does NOT mean that the symptoms of diabetes can’t come back and it is essential to keep having regular health care checks.
The Future
Given the benefits of this approach, it is clear to see why it can be used as an effective treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
Equally it is important to recognise that it is not suitable for everyone, and not everyone will achieve the results of remission.
The researchers acknowledge that weight regain is an issue and strategies need to be put in place to support people in the long term with weight maintenance. Even if remission is not achieved, weight loss improves the control of Diabetes (as measure by HbA1c – glycated haemoglobin) and reduces the need for medications to lower blood glucose levels.
This research adds to the plethora of research that shows us that lifestyle changes, including weight loss, is the best approach to controlling Type 2 Diabetes.
If you do wish to follow this approach, it is extremely important to seek support from healthcare professionals. If you would like to learn more about it, or get support with it, get in touch.