Researchers from McGill University in Canada and the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom reported promising results from the RESET for Remission trial, which examined whether an intensive lifestyle program could induce remission of early‑onset type 2 diabetes.
Study design and participants
The trial enrolled 96 adults, ages 18 to 45, who were obese and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 45. None of the participants were using insulin. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intensive lifestyle intervention or routine medical care.
Intensive lifestyle intervention
The intervention combined a daily diet of 800–900 calories with supervised aerobic and resistance training. During the first two weeks, participants consumed only meal‑replacement products. From weeks three through twelve, they added one structured meal of lean protein and vegetables each day, while continuing the exercise regimen. The final twelve weeks focused on maintaining weight loss.
Blood‑sugar and blood‑pressure medications were tapered and discontinued under medical supervision as participants lost weight.
Results
Among those who completed the intensive program, 54% achieved diabetes remission – defined as an HbA1c below 6.5% for at least 12 weeks without glucose‑lowering medication – compared with just 4% of the routine‑care group. Participants lost an average of 18.5 pounds over 24 weeks and showed improvements in treadmill endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Researchers noted that resistance training helped preserve lean muscle mass; MRI scans showed no loss of muscle, and hand‑grip strength actually improved.
Limitations and safety
The study’s small size (fewer than 100 participants) and six‑month duration limit the ability to generalize the findings. The design did not include a separate arm that followed the diet without supervised exercise, making it difficult to isolate the individual contributions of diet versus exercise.
Approximately 86% of participants reported mild to moderate side effects, especially early in the program, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and constipation. No severe medical complications were observed.
Implications
Lead researcher Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta emphasized that while the results are encouraging, the intensive program may be challenging to sustain outside a supervised medical setting. Diabetes remission does not equate to a permanent cure; ongoing weight management and blood‑sugar monitoring remain essential.
The authors suggest that larger, longer‑term studies are needed to determine whether the benefits persist and whether patients can remain medication‑free over time.
Takeaway for readers
For younger adults with early‑onset type 2 diabetes, a structured, medically supervised program that pairs significant calorie restriction with regular aerobic and resistance exercise may offer a viable path to remission. However, individuals should consult health professionals before attempting such a regimen, as medical oversight is critical to safety and success.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
