Study Finds Weight Loss Alone Not Enough to Achieve and Sustain Diabetes Remission

Being overweight when you have diabetes increases health risks. The American Diabetes Association says that even losing a few pounds through exercise and eating healthy will help you feel better, have more energy, and reduce the risk of other related problems, such as heart and kidney disease.

However, when it comes to remission of Type 2 diabetes, a recent study conducted by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that weight loss alone is not enough to put Type 2 diabetes into remission and sustain it. They found:

• Only 6% of participants were able to achieve remission of their Type 2 diabetes through weight loss.
• 2% of people who had achieved diabetes remission returned to high glucose levels.
• Those who had greater weight loss within the first year of diabetes diagnosis had an increased likelihood of achieving diabetes remission and maintenance of healthy glucose levels.

Interviewed by Healthline about the study, Dr. Hongjian Wu, Phd, research assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and author of the study, said, “The findings underscore the importance of early weight management in achieving diabetes remission as well as the importance of diabetes prevention.”

Although diabetes is considered incurable, through weight loss and other lifestyle changes you may be able to keep blood sugars under control without the use of insulin.

• Eat healthy
• Exercise
• Reduce stress
• Stop smoking:
• Limit alcohol consumption

Also check in with your doctor at least twice a year to avoid the risk of other diseases. Get a yearly eye exam and have your feet checked since peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) can enable ulcers to go undetected, resulting in infections.