You can reverse diabetes with diet and weight loss!
Dr. Kevin Sherin is a family practitioner practicing in Orlando, FL. Dr. Sherin specializes in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family practitioners also put focus on preventative care with routine checkups, tests and personalized coaching on how to maintain... more
There is great hope now that it is possible to achieve type 2 diabetes remission by changing diet and lifestyle.
My editorial in the August 15, 2023 American Family Physician makes this point. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0800/editorial-dietary-remission-diabetes.html
This article cites key references that you can share with your primary doctor
The recent DIRECT trial in the UK helps to prove this. https://www.directclinicaltrial.org.uk/
The patients in the trial followed a very low 850 calorie per day diet over 5 months and many were able to achieve the intended results with blood sugars. At least 86% of patients who lost 15 kg were able to achieve these results.
In 2021, The American Diabetes Association and others, defined type 2 diabetes mellitus remission as having an A1C lower than 6.5% measured on at least three months after cessation of diabetes medication. A recent review found that patients can achieve remission of type 2 diabetes with dietary changes alone.1) Although meaningful weight loss requires resources and ongoing support, evidence shows that diabetes remission is achievable, especially for patients who have recently been diagnosed. Your primary care physician can verify this and provide referral to to a dietician and exercise program to help you or your loved one with the goal of weight loss and possible remission of type 2 diabetes. Getting closer to ideal body weight through diet and exercise can also help at least 60 other weight related medical conditions
So, you or your loved one can achieve remission of your diabetes with diet and weight loss. “I recommend that you see a dietitian as soon as possible to develop strategies for weight loss and hopefully achieve diabetes remission.” Your physician can facilitate ongoing contact with a dietitian with additional expertise in cognitive behavior strategies. Your doctor can periodically monitor blood pressure and lipids, A1C, and transaminase levels to ensure safety of the program. “Glucagon 1 like peptide medications may also augment weight loss for individuals who struggle to achieve meaningful weight loss with diet alone, although no evidence has linked this drug class with diabetes remission”.
Given the negative effects of diabetes on patients, families, and communities, everyone can share with loved ones with a recent type 2 diabetes diagnosis, about the benefits of a structured weight loss intervention, including diabetes remission.
Reference
- Churuangsuk C, Hall J, Reynolds A, et al. Diets for weight management in adults with type 2 diabetes: an umbrella review of published meta-analyses and systematic review of trials of diets for diabetes remission. Diabetologia. 2022;65(1):14-36.
