A six-month diet and exercise program helped more than half of its young adult participants with type 2 diabetes reach remission, according to a clinical trial published in The Lancet Regional Health - Americas.
Among 50 participants assigned to the program, 27--54%--lowered their blood sugar below the diabetes threshold and remained off glucose-lowering medication for at least three months. In the group receiving usual care, 4% achieved remission. Researchers stress that remission is not a cure: blood sugar can rise again over time.
A structured approach to weight loss and fitness
The study involved 96 adults in Britain and Canada. Participants had an average age of 38, were living with obesity, and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the previous six years.
For 12 weeks, the intervention group followed a tightly controlled, very low-calorie eating plan, initially relying on meal replacements before adding one regular meal each day. From the third week, participants also completed supervised aerobic and strength-training sessions, with an additional workout on their own. Over the following 12 weeks, they gradually returned to regular meals while continuing to exercise with less supervision.
Medical teams monitored participants and adjusted medications when needed. On average, the intervention group lost 7.5 kilograms more than those receiving usual care. All 14 participants who lost at least 10% of their starting weight reached remission, though that was a small subgroup.
Other reported changes included reduced fat in the liver, pancreas and muscles, alongside improvements in grip strength, fitness and blood pressure. Muscle volume was largely maintained. The University of Leicester researchers said the findings suggest muscle can be preserved during rapid weight loss when exercise is included.
Remission requires follow-up
The program was demanding: only 40% of the intervention group met all adherence criteria. Participants also reported issues such as fatigue, dizziness and headaches. The researchers note that the study followed participants for only six months, so it remains uncertain how long remission may last.
With longer-term research and appropriate clinical supervision, combined nutrition and exercise programs could become a valuable option for younger adults managing type 2 diabetes.
