Type 2 diabetes patients 21 times more likely to achieve remission with intensive lifestyle changes

A small clinical trial found that an intensive diet and exercise programme was linked to much higher type 2 diabetes remission rates among adults under 45 than standard medical care. The findings matter because early-onset diabetes is associated with faster loss of blood sugar control and earlier health complications, though the results do not show that the programme will work for everyone.

Researchers enrolled 96 adults aged 18 to 45 with obesity and early-onset diabetes; none used insulin. Over 24 weeks, the programme combined an 800 to 900-calorie daily diet with supervised strength and aerobic exercise. Of those completing it, 54% achieved remission, compared with 4% receiving routine care, and participants lost an average of 18.5 pounds; remission meant HbA1c below 6.5% after at least 12 weeks without glucose-lowering medication.