New research could help transform treatment options for the 1.2 million Australians affected by type 2 diabetes.
An Australian study is asking patients to enroll in hopes of replicating a similar study in the UK that could trigger cases of remission.
For more information on the study, see the video above
The study, funded by Diabetes New South Wales and ACT, required type 2 diabetes patients to follow a strict diet with bi-weekly check-ins for 12 months.
After years of various weight loss programs, study participant Karen Campagna is now enjoying her new healthy habits.
“I’ve been on this program since October and have never looked back,” she said.
At 15 kilograms, her type 2 diabetes has practically disappeared.
“I had my three monthly checks … perfect, nothing came back,” she added.
Karen Campagna has had promising results. Image credit: 7NEWS
“There is potential to reverse this disease,” said Associate Professor Tania Markovic of the University of Sydney.
“We know that the way to keep diabetes in check, keep it in remission is to maintain weight loss.”
A massive 46 percent of participants in the UK study achieved remission – with weight loss being a key factor.
Remission was successful in 67 percent of people who lost 10 kilograms or more and 86 percent of people who lost more than 15 kilograms.
“The DiRECT study found that nearly half of participants in the overweight or obese area who followed an intense, low-calorie diet of around 850 calories per day for between 8 and 20 weeks were able to manage their type 2 diabetes To put in remission. ” Diabetes New South Wales and ACT said.
“The more weight a person lost, the more likely they were to achieve remission.”
A new study aims to put people with type 2 diabetes into remission. Photo credit: Oscar Wong/.Getty Images
Lead researcher Kate Gudorf said there will be hope for people with type 2 diabetes.
“It gives people hope and motivation that their diabetes may not need a life sentence,” she said.
“While remission isn’t possible for everyone, the study offers participants a number of other health benefits – including lower blood pressure cholesterol – and a way to reduce diabetes medication.”
There are still 50 places available in the study and details can be found here.
