A six-month, non-surgical programme helped 54% of adults with obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes achieve remission, but researchers warn it is not a cure.
A new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting and published in The Lancet suggests that, for some people with early-onset type 2 diabetes, remission may be possible through intensive lifestyle change. The research focused on 96 adults with obesity whose diabetes was diagnosed before the age of 45, a group known to face a more aggressive disease course and a higher risk of heart and kidney complications.
In the trial, participants were split into two groups. One received usual medical care, while the other followed a six-month programme built around a very low-calorie diet of 800 to 900 calories a day in the intensive phase, together with supervised aerobic and resistance exercise. According to the report, the intervention was tightly structured, with exercise sessions and dietary support designed to help patients lose weight while preserving muscle.
The results were notable. After 24 weeks, 54% of those in the lifestyle programme had achieved remission, compared with 4% in the control group. The intervention group also recorded average weight loss of about 7%, alongside improvements in blood pressure, triglycerides, insulin sensitivity and fat levels in the liver and pancreas. A key finding was that the weight reduction came mainly from body fat, while muscle mass and strength were maintained, underscoring the value of combining diet with exercise. A report in Drugs.com said the study also found no serious adverse events, although many participants experienced temporary side effects early in the low-energy diet phase.
Even so, the researchers and the commentary around the study were clear on one crucial point: remission is not the same as cure. In medical terms, it means blood sugar levels remain normal without diabetes medication for a defined period, but the underlying tendency to the disease can remain, especially if lost weight returns or healthy habits fade. Earlier research indexed in PubMed and a systematic review in Diabetes Care both support the wider view that remission is more likely in the earlier stages of type 2 diabetes and can be achieved through a range of approaches, including dietary change, physical activity and short-term intensive metabolic treatment. The latest study adds to that evidence by showing that a structured, non-surgical programme can work in a multi-ethnic group with early-onset disease, although the small sample size means longer follow-up will be needed before the model can be widely applied in routine care.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
