Remission achievable for 1 in 3 Indian diabetics through intensive app-based lifestyle program, study suggests
A recent study published in PLOS One has shown promising results for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India. According to the study conducted by Pramod Tripathi of the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic & Diabetes Research Foundation, nearly one-third of participants in an intensive lifestyle intervention program achieved diabetes remission.
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent health issue in India, affecting over 72 million people. While lifestyle interventions have been successful in managing diabetes in Western populations, there is limited data on their effectiveness in India due to genetic and lifestyle factors that place the population at a higher risk.
The study analyzed data from 2,384 adults with T2D who participated in a one-year online intensive lifestyle intervention program at the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic. The program included a personalized plant-based diet, structured physical activity, group therapy, individual psychological counseling, and medication management provided through a mobile application.
Of the participants, 31.2% achieved diabetes remission, defined as maintaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels below 48 mmol/mol for at least three months without glucose-lowering medications. The remission group showed significant improvements in weight, body mass index, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance compared to the non-remission group.
Individuals under 50 years of age, with a higher body mass index, no prior medication use, and a shorter duration of diabetes (<6 years) were more likely to achieve remission. The study, while limited by its retrospective design and lack of a control group, demonstrates the potential of intensive lifestyle modifications in achieving type 2 diabetes remission in India. The authors highlight the importance of a culturally tailored and structured lifestyle intervention program in achieving diabetes remission. This research provides valuable evidence for the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in managing type 2 diabetes in the Indian population. For more information, the study titled “Type 2 diabetes remission and its predictors in an Indian cohort” published in PLOS One can be accessed through DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333114. This study signifies a significant step towards understanding and addressing type 2 diabetes in India through comprehensive lifestyle interventions. The findings offer hope for individuals with diabetes seeking remission and highlight the importance of personalized and culturally adapted approaches to diabetes management.
