Diabetes

What predicts drug-free type 2 diabetes remission? Insights from an 8-year general practice service evaluation of a lower carbohydrate diet with weight loss

The paper titled “What predicts drug-free type 2 diabetes remission? Insights from an 8-year general practice service evaluation of a lower carbohydrate diet with weight loss” by ‌David Unwin and his dedicated team reports on a groundbreaking 8-year study demonstrating that a low-carbohydrate diet can lead to drug-free remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The study looked at the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet on Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients from 2013 to 2021 in a suburban practice with 9,800 patients. They used one-on-one doctor visits, group sessions, and phone calls for this program.

The results showed significant benefits: among the 186 patients who followed this diet, on average, weight dropped by 10 kg, and blood sugar levels improved notably. About 77% of those who had T2D for less than a year went into remission, as well as 20% of those who had it for over 15 years. Overall, 51% achieved remission. The diet also lowered cholesterol and blood pressure levels while saving substantially on medication costs.

Nearly all (97%) of patients interested in a low-carbohydrate diet saw long-term (33 months on average) improvements in their diabetes control. Those newly diagnosed with lower initial blood sugar levels were more likely to reverse their diabetes completely.

This study suggests a crucial ‘window of opportunity’ for those newly diagnosed with T2D to achieve remission through dietary changes. But even those who didn’t achieve full remission saw significant improvements in their diabetes symptoms.

This remarkable research not only offers hope but also practical solutions for both patients and healthcare providers.