Energy balance
Type 2 diabetes remission is achievable through significant weight loss (specifically targeting ectopic fat in the liver and pancreas) via very low-calorie diets or bariatric surgery, challenging the view that T2D is an irreversible progressive disease.
To put Type 2 Diabetes into remission, you must lose a significant amount of weight (typically >15kg or >15% of body weight) to remove fat from your liver and pancreas. This is best achieved through a medically supervised Very Low-Calorie Diet (500-800 kcal/day) using meal replacements for 3 months, followed by a structured maintenance plan. This approach is most effective if you have had diabetes for less than 6-10 years.
Any form of weight loss dramatically affects the natural history of T2D, favoring prevention, treatment, and even remission in the case of significant weight loss.
Why this rating
Based on multiple RCTs (DiRECT, Look AHEAD, ReTUNE) and position statements from major diabetes societies.
Source
Remission of type 2 diabetes: position statement of the Italian society of diabetes (SID)
Danila Capoccia et al. · Acta Diabetologica · 2024
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