(November 14 observed as World Diabetes Day around the world to raise awareness about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. FIT is reposting this story in that light.)
Can weight loss really reverse diabetes?
A new study published in the Wiley Online Journal, aiming to determine the predictors of type 2 diabetes remission found that weight loss was a worthy factor. The paper titled, ‘Predictors of type 2 diabetes remission in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial’ found that “with weight loss, 64% of early type 2 diabetes is reversible.”
FIT spoke to Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head of Endocrinology & Diabetes at Max Hosptial, New Delhi to find out more.
“As our weight goes up,our risk for diabetes goes up. But here’s the good news. The study found that if you lose more than 10 kilograms, then at 2 years, more than 60 per cent of people are in remission.”Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head of Endocrinology & Diabetes at Max Hosptial, New Delhi
The study analyzed the amount of weight lost and the duration it took as it corresponded to remission.
“Remission was more likely for men, as a result of larger weight losses, and for those prescribed fewer antidiabetes medications at baseline. Remission was less likely for people with anxiety or depression, mainly due to smaller weight losses .”Study authors
How can you try to prevent diabetes? “Stop eating refined or processed carbohydrates, move your body for 2-3 minutes every 30 minutes and get some exercise in daily,” recommends Dr Mithal.
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