Can Type II Diabetes be reversed by intensive weight loss

 

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), also known as adult-onset diabetes is an incurable chronic disease that is affecting more than 425 million people in the world according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) statistics. In most cases, type 2 diabetes is directly linked with a sedentary lifestyle, obesity,  and proper diet routines. In addition, High blood pressure, Polycystic ovary syndrome, genetic background are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

The research was carried out a total of 280 participants with type 2 diabetes took part in the trial. Half of them were put on a weight-loss program that included consuming soups and shakes with a daily calorie count of no more than 853 and stopping their diabetes medication. Half of the group continued to take their diabetes medication as normal. After a year, 46% of those in the diet group had lost weight and recovered control of their blood sugar levels.

What happens when you have type 2 diabetes?

The most common cause of type 2 diabetes is obesity-related, which generally follows a vicious cycle pattern: Diet high in calories -particularly if high in refined carbohydrates. Insulin levels in the bloodstream rise to cope with the high- and quick-acting carb intake. Weight is gained around the belly (central or truncal obesity). Consistently high insulin levels lead to the body’s cells becoming resistant to insulin and commonly lead to weight gain. High insulin levels also increase weight gain. Insulin resistance leads to an increase in blood sugar levels, particularly after meals. The pancreas produces more insulin to cope with rising blood sugar levels High sugar levels lead to feelings of lethargy and high insulin levels lead to increased hunger. Hunger often leads to overeating and lethargy, with less physical activity being taken. Overeating, less activity, and high insulin levels all lead to further weight gain and more insulin resistance. Consistently high demand on the pancreas to produce extra insulin leads to damage of the pancreas’ insulin-producing beta cells. Beta-cell damage results in the body struggling to produce enough insulin, and steeper rises in blood sugar levels lead to more recognizable symptoms of diabetes.

Removal of the fat allows re-expression of the insulin gene and resumption of acute glucose-mediated insulin secretion. When an individual achieves remission of Type 2 diabetes after weight loss, this β -cell redifferentiation is durable, providing that weight regain exceeding the personal fat threshold is avoided.

What is the best way to achieve reversal of Type 2 diabetes?

Reversal of Type 2 diabetes is most easily accomplished with calorie reduction alone. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes (of which there are many) who are motivated should take the following approach: obtaining the desired weight in a short amount of time (calorie restriction without added exercise) and sustaining weight (moderate food restriction with increased daily activity). Calorie restriction can take many different forms, depending on personal choice. This could include low-calorie food-based meals or liquid meal replacements with or without veggies.

Dietary strategy post weight loss

HbA1c alone is commonly used to assess whether or not a person has Type 2 diabetes remission. To distinguish between actual remission and the acute effects of the low-calorie (sometimes naturally low-carbohydrate) diet, this is best tested once a steady-state (weight stability) has been attained. Maintaining focus on underlying muscular insulin resistance, which is generally unaffected by the remission process, is critical. In a population that will always be predisposed to Type 2 diabetes by virtue of having already had it, recommended meal choices can help decrease hunger, boredom, and blood glucose/insulin spikes. Finding an eating plan that an individual can easily keep within their given lifestyle limitations will be the most efficient way to accomplish long-term weight control after a low-calorie diet (especially food preferences, culture, family circumstances).

For many years, ‘healthy eating' in accordance with general population guidance has been the backbone of Type 2 diabetes dietary therapy, despite the critical importance of dietary energy consumption. The composition (limited carbohydrate/restricted fat) is less important than the total amount of food consumed, and there are many different, equally legitimate strategies to accomplish this aim. For population-level success, regular, long-term support from an adequately trained source, such as primary care professionals trained in motivational interviewing and behavior modification strategies, is critical. Specialist dietitians should be mentoring and guiding these employees.

Physical activity

When overweight or obese people start exercising, their weight tends to rise as a result of an increase in calorie consumption, which is partly conscious and partly unconscious. This compensatory eating phenomenon varies between individuals but is a major hazard of the weight-loss phase.

Furthermore, the amount of energy used during exercise that most overweight, elderly adults can tolerate is low and easily offset by a snack.It is critical to advise simply maintaining normal physical activity and avoiding any sudden fitness regimen throughout the weight-loss phase (and popular). On the other hand, there is strong evidence that encouraging daily sustained physical exercise is an important component of long-term weight management.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that develops in people who consume more calories than they require over a long period of time.

The natural history of Type 2 diabetes can now be seen to depend on body weight. If the personal level of weight that allowed Type 2 diabetes to develop is maintained or even allowed to increase, then the disease is steadily progressive. If weight loss sufficient to normalize intra -organ fat is achieved and maintained, non -diabetic glucose control can be re-established. In the early years after diabetes onset, removal of the excess fat in the liver and pancreas via intensive but achievable weight loss can in many cases lead to normalization of hepatic glucose production, and possible β-cell redifferentiation and diabetes can be reversed.

If type 2 diabetes is treated with medication it can be managed successfully. New studies proves that calorie restrictions and weight losses can reverse type 2 diabetes successfully.