Weight loss can reverse type 2 diabetes 'for at least five years', study finds

The research found that those who stuck to a low-calorie diet to shed and keep pounds off were in diabetes remission for as many as five years.

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Shedding weight can put type 2 diabetes in remission for at least five years, according to new data.

Figures from the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) suggest that as much as a quarter of people were in remission from diabetes two years after commencing a low-calorie diet, with these people still in remission three years later.

It meant that these people were no longer required to take medication in order to manage their blood sugar levels. Those in remission recorded an average weight loss of 1st 6lb - 8.9kg - at the five year point.

The study, funded by Diabetes UK, found that losing and keeping off the weight can help reverse a diabetes diagnosis and in turn reduce the risk of other health conditions. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high bloody pressure, narrowing blood vessels and nerve damage, meaning remission can help lower the chances of experiencing these health issues.

Obesity is the main cause of type 2 diabetes, with research finding that obese people are up to 80 times more likely to develop the condition compared to those with a health body mass index (BMI) of 22 or less.

A total of 298 people took part in the original DiRECT study, with half of these receiving standard diabetes car from their GP. Half of the participants were put on a diet with support from health professionals.

This diet included low-calorie, nutrient-complete soup and shake, with participants consuming around 800 calories per day for between 12 and 20 weeks. Following the diet, participants reintroduced health foods with the support of a nurse or dietician in order to maintain weight loss.

Type 2 diabetes medications and blood pressure medication were stopped at the beginning of the programme, being reintroduced if necessary.

At the end of the two year study, 95 of 149 participants on the weight loss programme agreed to continue on the study - lasting three years.

Using the new data, of the 95 participants, 48 were in remission at the start of the extension study with 23 per cent of them still in remission three years later.

The proportion of people in remission at the end of the five year period, following the original study, was more than three times than that of the DiRECT control group - with these participants receiving usual GP care.

The findings closely linked remission to weight loss and maintaining the new weight, with researchers stating that those who regained the weight following the conclusion of the study were no longer in remission.

People who regained more than 4lb (2kg) during the three to five years following the study were offered additional support yearly in the form of a low-calorie soup and shake diet for four weeks, followed by help reintroducing normal meals.

When comparing the controlled group to the dieting group, there were bigger improvement in both blood pressure and blood sugar levels in the diet group, with fewer requiring medication.

The number of serious health issues resulting in hospital admissions in the dieting group was less than have compared to the control group.

Professor Mike Lean, at the University of Glasgow, who co-led the study, said: "Type 2 diabetes causes a range of progressive and life-shortening complications, notably blindness, infections, amputations, kidney failure and heart failure.

"It affects over four million people in UK and accounts for about 10% of NHS funding.

"The DiRECT extension (study) has shown us that a substantial proportion of people, managed in primary care, can maintain sufficient weight loss to be free from the condition for up to five years."

Professor Roy Taylor at Newcastle University, who also led the study, said: "The DiRECT five-year follow-up shows that the rapid weight-loss programme brings about considerable weight loss at five years with low-intensity support.

"The most important question now is how the follow-up programme can be even more successful at an affordable cost."

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: "The new findings from DiRECT confirm that for some people, it is possible to stay in remission for at least five years.

"For those who put type 2 diabetes into remission, it can be life-changing, offering a better chance of a healthier future.

"For those that aren't able to go into remission, losing weight can still lead to major health benefits, including improved blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of serious diabetes complications such as heart attack and stroke."

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