A study published in *The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology* on August 5 highlights that a behavioral intervention focused on weight loss can lead to the remission of type 2 diabetes.
The research, led by Dr. Jonathan Valabhji from NHS England, evaluated the effects of the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission program, a year-long initiative designed to support weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The program featured an initial three-month phase of total diet replacement, where participants consumed nutritionally formulated products like soups, shakes, and bars, with a total daily calorie intake between 800 to 900 kcal.
The study included 1,740 participants who began the total diet replacement phase before January 2022, with the goal of completing the program by December 2022. By the end of the program, 55% of participants had completed the full 12 months and had their weight recorded. The data showed that participants who completed the program achieved significant weight loss.
For the 1,710 participants who completed the program and had no missing data, the average weight loss was 8.3% or 9.4 kg. Among those who fully completed the program and had their data fully recorded, the average weight loss increased to 9.3% or 10.3 kg. This suggests that those who remained committed to the program experienced more substantial weight loss.
The study further analyzed a subgroup of 710 participants who had two hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements recorded, a key indicator of blood sugar levels. Of these participants, 27% achieved remission of type 2 diabetes, with an average weight loss of 13.4% or 14.8 kg.
In a more focused group of 450 participants who completed the program and had two HbA1c measurements, 32% achieved remission, with even higher average weight loss of 14.4% or 15.9 kg.
The researchers concluded that while remission of type 2 diabetes is possible through large-scale behavioral interventions, the remission rates observed were lower than those typically reported in controlled clinical trials.
The study also noted that several authors had disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry, which may be relevant when considering the broader implications of the findings.