A groundbreaking study in Diabetologia reveals a silver lining for individuals grappling with type 2 diabetes: entering remission can substantially diminish the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.
This study, analyzing over 5,000 adults, demonstrates that those who achieved remission from type 2 diabetes experienced a remarkable 40% and 33% reduction in cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease rates, respectively.
Remission from type 2 diabetes, defined as normal blood glucose levels without medication for at least three months, is a beacon of hope, albeit challenging to maintain.
The Look AHEAD study, upon which this research is based, shows that sustained remission is rare, dropping from 11% in the first year to a mere 4% by the eighth year. This highlights the difficulty individuals face in adhering to the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term remission, such as diet and exercise.
Despite these challenges, the study underscores the profound health benefits of remission, even if it’s temporary. Factors increasing the likelihood of remission include recent diabetes diagnosis, lower initial average blood glucose levels, and significant weight loss.
However, experts caution that achieving remission is not feasible for everyone, especially those with a long history of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes, crucial for remission, also bring universal health benefits, emphasizing the importance of striving for healthier living irrespective of remission status.
With heart disease and chronic kidney disease being major concerns for those with diabetes, this study offers a glimmer of hope. It reinforces the critical role of lifestyle modifications in managing type 2 diabetes and preventing its severe complications, making remission a worthy, albeit challenging, goal.
Source: Medical News Today
