Diabetes Remission Research Articles

Ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting: an option for type 2 diabetes remission?

With increasing attention to diabetes remission, various special dietary patterns have been found to be effective in achieving diabetes remission. The effect of a single dietary pattern on lowering blood glucose is clear, but studies on the synergistic effects of different dietary patterns are limited. This article describes the types of intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets, potential mechanisms, contraindications of combination diets, recommendations for combination diets, and their health outcomes. This paper aims to illustrate the evidence for intermittent fasting combined with a ketogenic diet on outcomes of diabetes remission and effect on blood glucose control. Knowledge of these findings can help doctors and patients determine dietary patterns for achieving diabetes remission and understanding their application.

Bilateral vision loss with cranial nerve paralysis, revealing ischaemic pituitary apoplexy and acromegaly: A case report

Pituitary Apoplexy (PA) is a potentially fatal clinical condition resulting from ischaemic or haemorrhagic infarction of the pituitary gland. The ischaemic subtype is even rarer and more severe. We present the case of a 26-year-old female patient who presented with headache, acute bilateral visual loss, fever, confusion, asthenia with classic features of acromegaly, and pupils with bilateral areactive mydriasis without light perception bilaterally with cranial nerve involvement. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a pituitary macroadenoma, and endocrine investigations revealed panhypopituitarism. The patient underwent transsphenoidal evacuation and the diagnosis of ischaemic PA was confirmed by histology. Three months later, a follow-up MRI showed an empty bowel with remission of acromegaly, diabetes and mild unilateral visual recovery. Our case highlights the importance of considering ischaemic PA among the possible aetiologies of sudden cranial nerve deficits then early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve outcome.

Preoperative contributing factors and the remission of diabetes after metabolic surgery: the mediating role of preoperative triglyceride

Background and objectiveLimited understanding exists regarding the factors affecting the prognosis of surgical treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in Chinese patients. In this study, we examined a cohort of early and intermediate obese T2DM patients to explore the potential impact of preoperative lipid metabolism in metabolic surgery on the postoperative remission of T2DM.MethodsParticipants with T2DM and obesity underwent metabolic surgery. Clinical data, including baseline body mass index, percentage of excess weight loss, and preoperative biochemical indicators, were collected and analyzed. A multidisciplinary team conducted patient follow-up. Remission was defined as sub-diabetic hyperglycemia (HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol, fasting glucose 100–125 mg/dl) without pharmacological intervention for at least 12 months.ResultsOver a median follow-up of 27 months, 96 T2DM patients with metabolic surgery were studied, with no laparotomies required. Among these patients, 61 (63.5%) achieved complete remission, and 85 (88.5%) experienced remission. In multivariable analysis models, preoperative fasting blood glucose (FBG) significantly correlated with all postoperative outcomes. Furthermore, mediation analysis indicated that preoperative triglycerides (TG) mediated 26.31% of the association between preoperative FBG and postoperative remission. Both preoperative FBG and TG were negatively associated with the postoperative remission of T2DM.ConclusionIn summary, our findings suggest that lower preoperative fasting glucose levels enhance the likelihood of postoperative T2DM remission. Moreover, preoperative TG could potentially play a mediating role in the postoperative remission of T2DM. Therefore, evaluating and managing fasting glucose and lipids before the procedure may aid in assessing the prognosis of metabolic surgery.Level of evidence Level III, designed cohort.

Weight loss, remission of diabetes and protection from cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease

This article outlines the potential benefits of weight loss for people with diabetes

Obtaining a mouse model of streptozotocininduced type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective: to obtain a stable mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using streptozotocin (STZ), which has a toxic effect on pancreatic beta cells.Materials and methods. Experiments were performed on 30 white non-diabetic male mice of the SHK colony, which were injected intraperitoneally with STZ at a dose of 200 mg/ kg by two methods: 15 animals (group 1) once and 15 animals (group 2) intermittently – 5 consecutive days at 40 mg/kg per day.Results. In group 1, one mouse died after 2 days due to hypoglycemic coma, 4 mice developed hyperosmolar hyperglycemia (&gt;33.3 mmol/l), 3 mice had spontaneous remission of diabetes, and 7 mice had stabilized hyperglycemia at levels close to 20 mmol/l. In group 2, only one mouse showed spontaneous remission of diabetes, while the remaining 14 animals showed stable diabetes with average hyperglycemia levels moderately above 20 mmol/L until the end of the 4-week follow-up. A histological study of the pancreas of these animals confirmed the destructive effect of STZ on islets in the form of mass death of insulin-producing β-cells.Conclusion. Split-dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ provides a stable experimental T1DM in 93% of laboratory mice.

Type 2 diabetes remission: weight maintenance in the spotlight

Type 2 diabetes remission: weight maintenance in the spotlight

Long-Term Outcomes of Medical Management vs Bariatric Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes

Randomized clinical trials of bariatric surgery have been limited in size, type of surgical procedure, and follow-up duration. To determine long-term glycemic control and safety of bariatric surgery compared with medical/lifestyle management of type 2 diabetes. ARMMS-T2D (Alliance of Randomized Trials of Medicine vs Metabolic Surgery in Type 2 Diabetes) is a pooled analysis from 4 US single-center randomized trials conducted between May 2007 and August 2013, with observational follow-up through July 2022. Participants were originally randomized to undergo either medical/lifestyle management or 1 of the following 3 bariatric surgical procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or adjustable gastric banding. The primary outcome was change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to 7 years for all participants. Data are reported for up to 12 years. A total of 262 of 305 eligible participants (86%) enrolled in long-term follow-up for this pooled analysis. The mean (SD) age of participants was 49.9 (8.3) years, mean (SD) body mass index was 36.4 (3.5), 68.3% were women, 31% were Black, and 67.2% were White. During follow-up, 25% of participants randomized to undergo medical/lifestyle management underwent bariatric surgery. The median follow-up was 11 years. At 7 years, HbA1c decreased by 0.2% (95% CI, -0.5% to 0.2%), from a baseline of 8.2%, in the medical/lifestyle group and by 1.6% (95% CI, -1.8% to -1.3%), from a baseline of 8.7%, in the bariatric surgery group. The between-group difference was -1.4% (95% CI, -1.8% to -1.0%; P < .001) at 7 years and -1.1% (95% CI, -1.7% to -0.5%; P = .002) at 12 years. Fewer antidiabetes medications were used in the bariatric surgery group. Diabetes remission was greater after bariatric surgery (6.2% in the medical/lifestyle group vs 18.2% in the bariatric surgery group; P = .02) at 7 years and at 12 years (0.0% in the medical/lifestyle group vs 12.7% in the bariatric surgery group; P < .001). There were 4 deaths (2.2%), 2 in each group, and no differences in major cardiovascular adverse events. Anemia, fractures, and gastrointestinal adverse events were more common after bariatric surgery. After 7 to 12 years of follow-up, individuals originally randomized to undergo bariatric surgery compared with medical/lifestyle intervention had superior glycemic control with less diabetes medication use and higher rates of diabetes remission. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02328599.

Impact of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Remission of Metabolic Syndrome, Prediabetes, Diabetes, and Hypertension in Adults Living with Obesity

Background: Lifestyle intervention programs have long been shown to be effective in preventing cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) such as metabolic syndrome (MS), impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), type II diabetes (T2DM), and hypertension (HTA). However, their potential for remission of these CMRFs in overweight/obese adults is less clear. The importance of attaining remission has significantly increased as these CMRFs are more and more prevalent. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the impact of an intensive lifestyle intervention program on the remission of MS, IFG, T2DM, and HTA in overweight/obese adults. Methods: Forty participants living with overweight/obesity were enrolled in an 18-month multidisciplinary primary prevention body mass loss intervention program. MS, IFG, T2DM, and HTA statuses were assessed at baseline, 9 months, and the end of the program. Results: At baseline, 25 participants (64.1%) had MS, 7 (17.9%) had IFG, 4 (10.2%) were living with diabetes, and 28 (70.0%) had HTA. At 18 months, six (24%) of the participants living with MS, two (28.6%) of the participants with IFG, two (50%) of the participants with diabetes, and two (7.1%) of the participants with HTA met all criteria for remission. Conclusion: An intensive lifestyle intervention program consisting of monitored exercise training and lifestyle modification counselling has great potential for achieving remission of CMRFs in adults living with overweight/obesity.

Mid-Term Diabetes Remission Outcome in Patients with BMI ≤ 30kg/m2 Following Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery is recommended for Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and BMI ≥ 27.5kg/m2. However, mid to long-term ·evidence is still lacking. Patients' data that underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) as the primary surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were analyzed. Patients with T2DM diagnosed with either fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 7.0mmol/L or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥ 7.0% and 27.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 30kg/m2 were included. 24 patients (7 male and 17 female) were included in this study. With a mean follow-up duration of 4.5 ± 1.1years, the mean percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) was 14.4 ± 6.7%. Postoperatively, nine patients (37%) still required oral anti-diabetic medications, while no patients used insulin. FBG and HbA1c levels declined to 6.3 ± 1.5mmol/L and 6.0 ± 1.0%, respectively. Fifteen patients (63%) were with HbA1c levels < 7% and without medication requirements, five patients (21%) were with HbA1c levels < 7% with the help of oral anti-diabetic medication, and four patients (16%) were with HbA1c levels > 7% with the help of oral anti-diabetic medication. Our study provides further evidence that SG could result in both T2DM improvement and remission in patients with BMI ≤ 30kg/m2. Longer follow-up duration and larger sample will be needed in the future.

5-year follow-up of the randomised Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) of continued support for weight loss maintenance in the UK: an extension study

In DiRECT, a randomised controlled effectiveness trial, weight management intervention after 2 years resulted in mean weight loss of 7·6 kg, with 36% of participants in remission of type 2 diabetes. Of 36 in the intervention group who maintained over 10 kg weight loss at 2 years, 29 (81%) were in remission. Continued low-intensity dietary support was then offered up to 5 years from baseline to intervention participants, aiming to maintain weight loss and gain clinical benefits. This extension study was designed to provide observed outcomes at 5 years. The DiRECT trial took place in primary care practices in the UK. Participants were individuals aged 20-65 years who had less than 6 years' duration of type 2 diabetes, a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2, and were not on insulin. The intervention consisted of withdrawal of antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs, total diet replacement (825-853 kcal per day formula diet for 12-20 weeks), stepped food reintroduction (2-8 weeks), and then structured support for weight-loss maintenance. After sharing the 2-year results with all participants, UK National Health Service data were collected annually until year 5 from remaining intervention participants who received low-intensity dietary support, intervention withdrawals, and the original randomly allocated groups. The primary outcome was remission of type 2 diabetes; having established in the DiRECT trial that sustained weight loss was the dominant driver of remission, this was assumed for the Extension study. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number 03267836. Between July 25, 2014, and Aug 5, 2016, 149 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 149 were assigned to the control group in the original DiRECT study. After 2 years, all intervention participants still in the trial (101 [68%] of 149) were approached to receive low-intensity support for a further 3 years. 95 (94%) of 101 were able to continue and consented and were allocated to the DiRECT extension group. 54 participants were allocated to the non-extension group, where intervention was withdrawn. At 5 years, DiRECT extension participants (n=85) lost an average of 6·1 kg, with 11 (13%) of 85 in remission. Compared with the non-extension group, DiRECT extension participants had more visits with HbA1c <48 mmol/mol (<6·5%; 36% vs 17%, p=0·0004), without glucose-lowering medication (62% vs 30%, p<0·0001), and in remission (34% vs 12%, p<0·0001). Original control participants (n=149) had mean weight loss 4·6 kg (n=82), and 5 (5%) of 93 were in remission. Compared with control participants, original intervention participants had more visits with weight more than 5% below baseline (61% vs 29%, p<0·0001), HbA1c below 48 mmol/mol (29% vs 15%, p=0·0002), without antidiabetic medication (51% vs 16%, p<0·0001), and in remission (27% vs 4%, p<0·0001). Of those in remission at year 2, 26% remained in remission at 5 years. Serious adverse events in the original intervention group (4·8 events per 100 patient-years) were under half those in the control group (10·2 per 100 patient-years, p=0·0080). The extended DiRECT intervention was associated with greater aggregated and absolute weight loss, and suggested improved health status over 5 years. Diabetes UK.

Correlation of T2DM and Anthropometric Measures with Total Small Bowel Length and Its Effects on Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery.

The outcome of weight loss surgery is related to several factors, and for super-obese patients, the rate of weight loss failure and weight recovery after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is high. Relevant studies have shown that the weight loss effect also correlates with total small bowel length (TSBL) and biliopancreatic (BP) and Roux limbs. However, there are few studies on the relationship between TSBL and anthropometric parameters, the BP limb, the Roux limb, and weight loss effect, and no relevant reports have been reported in China. The objective was to study the relationship between the total length of the small intestine and anthropometric parameters in the Chinese population. The effect of the Roux limb/biliopancreatic limb (RL/BPL) ratio on weight loss and diabetes remission in RYGB patients 1year after surgery was evaluated to find the appropriate ratio relationship. In this prospective study, 148 patients between the ages of 19 and 68years who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were enrolled. Height, weight, BMI, the BP limb, the Roux limb, fasting blood glucose (FBG), etc., were noted. To explore the correlation between the total length of the small intestine and these values. Subsequently, the 148 patients were followed up for 1year after surgery. The patients diagnosed with T2DM before surgery were screened out, and 56 patients were finally identified according to the postoperative follow-up, in which BPL = 50cm and RL = 150cm, 175cm, and 200cm, respectively. RL/BPL was divided into 3, 3.5, and 4 groups according to the proportional relationship to explore the relationship between RL/BPL and diabetes remission and weight loss. (1) The study included 148 patients (61 women and 87 men). The mean age was 35.68 ± 10.46years, weight = 127.46 ± 34.51kg, height = 167.83 ± 9.16cm, BMI = 44.94 ± 10.58kg/m2. The average TSBL value was 714.41 ± 101.08 cm. Linear regression analysis showed that TSBL was positively correlated with height, weight, neck circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference, and Roux limb. (2) Fifty-six patients with T2DM who were followed up 1year after surgery were divided into three groups. Group 1: BPL = 50cm, RL = 150cm (n = 20); group 2: BPL = 50cm, RL = 175cm (n = 26); group 3: BPL = 50cm, RL = 200cm (n = 10); RL/BPL = 3 was associated with higher weight loss than the other groups. The remission rate of diabetes did not differ between the three groups. TSBL was positively correlated with height, weight, neck circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference, and Roux limb. The TSBL of males was significantly higher than that of females. Among patients with T2DM who participated in the follow-up 1year after surgery, RL/BPL = 3 (n = 20) had greater weight loss than the other groups.

Preservation of β-Cells as a Therapeutic Strategy for Diabetes.

The preservation of pancreatic islet β-cells is crucial in diabetes mellitus, encompassing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction, reduced mass, and apoptosis are central to insufficient insulin secretion in both types. Research is focused on understanding β-cell characteristics and the factors regulating their function to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), β-cell destruction by the immune system calls for exploring immunosuppressive therapies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and leukotriene antagonists. Islet transplantation, stem cell therapy, and xenogeneic transplantation offer promising strategies for type 1 diabetes treatment. For type 2 diabetes (T2D), lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise enhance insulin sensitivity and maintain β-cell function. Additionally, various pharmacological approaches, such as cytokine inhibitors and protein kinase inhibitors, are being investigated to protect β-cells from inflammation and glucotoxicity. Bariatric surgery emerges as an effective treatment for obesity and T2D by promoting β-cell survival and function. It improves insulin sensitivity, modulates gut hormones, and expands β-cell mass, leading to diabetes remission and better glycemic control. In conclusion, preserving β-cells offers a promising approach to managing both types of diabetes. By combining lifestyle modifications, targeted pharmacological interventions, and advanced therapies like stem cell transplantation and bariatric surgery, we have a significant chance to preserve β-cell function and enhance glucose regulation in diabetic patients.

Personalized Versus Non-personalized Nutritional Recommendations/Interventions for Type2 Diabetes Mellitus Remission: A Narrative Review.

It is a well-evidenced fact that diet significantly impacts type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention and management. However, dietary responses vary among different populations, necessitating personalized recommendations. Substantial evidence supports the role of diet in T2DM remission, particularly low-energy or low-carbohydrate diets that facilitate weight loss, enhance glycemic control, and achieve remission. This review aims to comprehensively analyze and compare personalized nutritional interventions with non-personalized approaches in T2DM remission. We conducted a literature search using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guidelines, focusing on clinical and observational trials published within the past decade. We present the strengths and drawbacks of incorporating personalized nutrition into practice, along with the areas for research in implementing personalized interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The findings reveal consistently higher diabetes remission rates in personalized nutrition studies compared to non-personalized interventions.

Preoperative duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus and remission after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A single center long-term cohort study.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has demonstrated excellent glycemic control and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission for patients with obesity and T2DM. Duration of T2DM is a consistent negative predictor of remission after RYGB. However, the exact timing to offer surgical intervention during the course of the disease is not well elucidated. We performed a retrospective cohort study between 2008-2020 to establish the exact association between duration of T2DM and remission after RYGB. We divided our cohort into quartiles of preoperative disease duration to quantify the change in remission rates for each year of delay between T2DM diagnosis and RYGB. We also compared the average time to remission and changes in glycemic control parameters. A total of 519 patients (67.2% female; age 53.4±10.7y; BMI 46.6±8.4kg/m2) with a follow-up period of 6.6±3.8 years were included. Remission was demonstrated in 51% of patients. Longer duration of T2DM was a significant negative predictor of remission with an estimated decrease in remission rates of 7% for each year of delay ([OR=0.931 (95% CI 0.892-0.971)]; P<0.001). Compared to patients with <3 years of T2DM, remission decreased by 37% for patients with 3-6 years, 64% for those with 7-12 years and 81% for patients with more than 12 years (P<0.001). Half of the patients reached T2DM remission after 0.5 and 1.1 years respectively for the first and second quartiles, while patients in the other quartiles never reached 50% remission. Lastly, we noted an overall improvement in all glycemic control parameters for all quartiles at last follow-up. Patients with a recent history of T2DM who undergo early RYGB experience significantly higher and earlier T2DM remission compared to patients with a prolonged history of preoperative T2DM, suggesting potential benefit of early surgical intervention to manage patients with obesity and T2DM.

Translation of a Diabetes Remission Service into Australian Primary Care: Findings from the Evaluation of DiRECT-Australia.

The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) study demonstrated that an intensive and structured weight management program in UK primary care resulted in high rates of diabetes remission in adults with recent onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was aimed at evaluating the translation of the DiRECT intervention into an Australian primary care setting. All patients enrolled in the DiRECT-Australia Type 2 Diabetes Remission Service in a region of Sydney (Macarthur region, South Western Sydney, Australia) were included. Eligible participants were aged 20-70 years, noninsulin treated, with T2DM of ≤6 years' duration, and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2. Total diet replacement of 825-853 kcal/day using meal replacements was implemented for 12 weeks, followed by an ongoing structured program until 52 weeks, with regular follow-up with a general practitioner, dietitian, and/or practice nurse. Of 39 recruited participants, 32 (82.1%) and 27 (69.2%) completed 12 weeks and 52 weeks of the structured program, respectively. Decrease in weight by -12.0 kg (95% CI: -9.6, -14.4; p < 0.001) and -9.1 kg (95% CI: -5.2, -12.9; p < 0.001) and decrease in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) by -1.1% (95% CI: -0.6, -1.6; p < 0.001) and -0.6% (95% CI: -0.1, -1.1; p = 0.013) were observed at 12 and 52 weeks, respectively. At the end of 12 and 52 weeks, 93.8% (30/32) and 55.6% (15/27) of those with follow-up data met the criteria for diabetes remission, respectively. Quality of life and wellbeing scores increased over the course of 12 weeks, remaining significantly higher at 52 weeks. Participants reported they would be willing to pay A$92.50 (95% CI: A$75.80, A$109.30) per fortnight for the low-calorie meal replacement shakes. These findings support the feasibility of a structured diabetes remission service in an Australian primary care setting to achieve improvements in glycaemia, weight, and quality of life and wellbeing, and suggest a substantial willingness to pay for diet replacement products among participants.

A qualitative study of the perceptions and experiences of participants and healthcare professionals in the DiRECT-Australia type 2 diabetes remission service.

The UK Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) study was replicated in an Australian primary care setting. This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the perceptions and experiences of both participants and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in the DiRECT-Australia Type 2 Diabetes Remission Service. All participants and HCPs delivering the service were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews via online videoconferencing. The interview guides explored perceptions and experiences in DiRECT-Australia, covering aspects such as barriers and facilitators to recruitment and participation, motivations and challenges across service phases, adequacy of support provided and the overall acceptability of the service. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Eight DiRECT-Australia participants and six HCPs (three general practitioners, two practice nurses and one dietitian) participated. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) Enablers and barriers to recruitment and continuous participation in DiRECT-Australia; (2) Motivators and overcoming barriers across the total diet replacement, food reintroduction and weight maintenance phases; (3) Importance of participant-HCP interactions and continuous support; (4) Acceptance and long-term need for DiRECT-Australia. Adherence to total diet replacement was less challenging than anticipated by participants. Transitioning to the food reintroduction phase was difficult but overcome through HCP support. DiRECT-Australia was well accepted by both participants and HCPs, and participants expressed willingness to continue with the service, if provided on a long-term basis. Both participants and HCPs were highly interested in the new diabetes remission service set up in an Australian primary care setting. The acceptability of DiRECT-Australia was underscored by participants emphasising the effectiveness of the service in achieving significant weight loss and diabetes remission. There is a need for long-term and wider implementation of the service to ensure that anyone with recent onset type 2 diabetes is offered the best possible chance to achieve remission.

The association between microvascular and macrovascular diseases and diabetes remission after bariatric surgery.

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results in detrimental vascular complications including both microvascular and macrovascular diseases. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are effective weight-loss therapies that enhance T2DM remission. However, limited data are present regarding the association between diabetes-associated diseases before RYGB and SG with T2DM remission. This is a retrospective cohort study in patients with T2DM who underwent RYGB or SG. We collected data on preoperative microvascular (i.e., retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) and macrovascular (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and peripheral artery disease) diabetes-associated diseases. Our end points included assessment of association and cumulative effect of diabetes-associated diseases and disease remission. We also performed a multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the parameters associated with T2DM remission. A total of 536 patients (67% female, 94% White) were included in this study. Patients without diabetes-associated diseases had an OR of 2.72 (95% CI 1.92 to 3.88) to achieve T2DM remission compared to patients with diabetes-associated diseases (27.9% vs 59.4%; p < 0.001). Importantly, there was an additive effect of the number of diabetes-associated diseases on the T2DM remission (p < 0.001). We demonstrate a significant association between HbA1c (p < 0.001), number of diabetes medications (p < 0.001), T2DM duration (p < 0.001), surgery type (p = 0.009), and insulin use (p = 0.04) with T2DM remission. Patients with presurgical diabetes-associated diseases had a lower remission rate after RYGB and SG. Not only do these complications represent a more practical and consistent variable to predict T2DM remission, but also help planning a multidisciplinary management of patients with more severe T2DM.

A New Era in Diabetes Treatment: Innovations Towards Remission

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people globally. Medication, diet, and exercise can help manage the disease; however, recent breakthroughs in diabetes remission research bring hope for those living with the disease, paving the way for a new era in diabetes care with the potential for remission.

Telomere Maintenance Is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Remission in Response to a Long-Term Dietary Intervention without Non-Weight Loss in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: From the CORDIOPREV Randomized Controlled Trial.

In order to evaluate whether telomere maintenance is associated with type 2 diabetes remission, newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients without glucose-lowering treatment (183 out of 1002) from the CORDIOPREV study (NCT00924937) were randomized to consume a Mediterranean or low-fat diet. Patients were classified as Responders, those who reverted from type 2 diabetes during the 5 years of dietary intervention (n = 69), and Non-Responders, who did not achieve diabetes remission by the end of the follow-up period (n = 104). We found no differences in diabetes remission between the two diets, and we determined telomere length (TL) by measuring qPCR, telomerase activity using the TRAP assay, and direct redox balance based on the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSH) via colorimetric assay. Responders exhibited higher baseline TL in comparison with Non-Responders (p = 0.040), and a higher TL at baseline significantly predicted a higher probability of type 2 diabetes remission (OR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.41). After the dietary intervention, Non-Responders showed significant telomere shortening (-0.19, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.57; p = 0.005). Telomere shortening was significantly pronounced in type 2 diabetes patients with a worse profile of insulin resistance and/or beta-cell functionality: high hepatic insulin resistance fasting, a high disposition index (-0.35; 95% CI, -0.54 to -0.16; p < 0.001), and a low disposition index (-0.25; 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.01; p = 0.037). In addition, changes in TL were correlated to the GSH/GSSG ratio. Responders also showed increased telomerase activity compared with baseline (p = 0.048), from 0.16 (95% CI, 0.08 to 0.23) to 0.28 (95% CI, 0.15 to 0.40), with a more marked increase after the dietary intervention compared with Non-Responders (+0.07; 95% CI, -0.06-0.20; p = 0.049). To conclude, telomere maintenance may play a key role in the molecular mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes remission in newly diagnosed patients. However, further larger-scale prospective studies are necessary to corroborate our findings.

Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions/culturally bespoke programmes in South Asian ethnic groups targeting weight loss for prevention and/or remission of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials.

People from South Asian heritage are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, but there are limited specific strategies to prevent and manage this condition. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of culturally bespoke lifestyle programmes in South Asians that target weight loss for the prevention or remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention trials. PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CINAHL, PsycINFO and CENTRAL were searched. Human intervention trials (randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental) investigating the effect of lifestyle interventions on the prevention and remission of T2DM in South Asians were included. Studies including participants at risk of T2DM (prevention trials) and having the disease (remission trials) with duration ≥12 weeks were eligible. For prevention trials, the primary outcome was change in weight (kg) from baseline; for remission trials, it was decrease in HbA1c to non-diabetic levels (HbA1c ≤ 6.5%) without diabetes medications. Prevention trials were separated into (i) lifestyle modification advice and (ii) lifestyle modification advice including a supervised physical activity programme. Twenty-four trials were eligible (21 prevention trials and 3 remission trials). In T2DM prevention trials involving only lifestyle modification advice, the mean postintervention difference in weight between intervention and control groups was -0.65 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.04, -0.26; p = 0.01). Lifestyle modification advice including a physical activity programme was associated with greater decreases in weight: -1.13 kg (95% CI: -2.04, -0.21; p = 0.02). Fasting blood glucose levels were slightly lower in intervention groups for both intervention subtypes, although there was no significant change in HbA1c levels or 2-h plasma glucose levels. Diabetes remission trials showed potential acceptability but were limited in number and involved a small sample size, and some did not include a control group. In South Asians, lifestyle interventions for prevention of T2DM offer only modest impacts on weight and glucose control and will unlikely reduce diabetes incidence. Alternative lifestyle interventions co-designed with members of the communities and aimed at both prevention and remission of T2DM must be urgently considered. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42022385174 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=385174.