Few patients successfully treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss
January 29, 2024The results of a recent study indicate that only a small number of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are able to attain normal blood glucose levels solely through weight loss. Led by Andrea Luk from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the findings, published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine, shed light on the challenge of achieving diabetes remission through weight loss in real-world conditions. While clinical trials suggest that weight loss can help control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients, the study focused on 37,326 individuals in Hong Kong who were newly diagnosed with the condition to assess the feasibility and duration of diabetes control through weight loss alone.
The research revealed that, after approximately eight years post-diagnosis, only 6% of individuals achieved diabetes remission through weight loss alone. Among those initially in remission, two-thirds experienced elevated blood glucose levels within three years.
These rates significantly contrast with clinical trials, where up to 73% achieved remission one year post-diagnosis. Notably, those with substantial weight loss in the first year were more likely to sustain remission.
The study underscores the feasibility of controlling type 2 diabetes with sustained weight loss in real-world settings. However, achieving normal blood glucose levels through weight management alone, particularly over the long term, proves challenging. Discrepancies with clinical trials may stem from the intensive lifestyle interventions, encompassing comprehensive support for dietary changes, physical activity, and mental health, provided to trial participants.
The researchers advocate for early weight management interventions to enhance the likelihood of sustained remission in patients with type 2 diabetes. The data further indicate that initiating weight management interventions early on increases the chances of sustained remission, emphasizing the importance of lasting lifestyle changes.
Andrea Luk adds, “A higher degree of weight loss in the first year following diabetes diagnosis was linked to an elevated likelihood of achieving diabetes remission. However, the overall incidence of diabetes remission remained low, with only 6% achieving remission over an eight-year period. Additionally, half of those initially in remission reverted to hyperglycemia within three years, highlighting the challenge of sustaining diabetes remission in real-world settings.”
More information: Wu H, Yang A, Lau ESH, Zhang X, Fan B, Ma RCW, et al. (2024) 1-year weight change after diabetes diagnosis and long-term incidence and sustainability of remission of type 2 diabetes in real-world settings in Hong Kong: An observational cohort study, PLoS Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004327
