A recent study published in The BMJ reveals that a combination of an SGLT-2 inhibitor drug and a moderately calorie-restrictive diet significantly enhances the rates of remission for individuals with type 2 diabetes. With approximately 828 million adults globally living with diabetes—90% of whom have type 2 diabetes—this new approach offers hope for better management of a condition that has become a major health crisis.
Lead author Dr. Xiaoying Li, a professor and director of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University in China, emphasizes that diabetes is often under-recognized. Many individuals may not even realize they have the disease, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. The study highlights that only about 5% of people with type 2 diabetes achieve remission, making effective treatment options essential.
Diabetes not only affects blood sugar levels but also poses risks to kidney function, increases the likelihood of heart disease, and even elevates the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the disease can impact eyesight and the nervous system, leading to neuropathy. Dr. Li notes, “Diabetes has been considered as an incurable illness and is dependent on medication for [a] lifetime.”
The study findings indicate that combining SGLT-2 inhibitors—which work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys—with a calorie-restricted diet can improve remission rates compared to dietary changes alone. This is particularly critical as diabetes continues to rise worldwide, posing a significant health and financial burden. Dr. Cheng, a co-author of the study, states, “It can cause a significant health burden as well as financial burden if left untreated. It is important to obtain new treatments because of the significant financial burden that diabetes may present for patients.”
Moreover, there are promising developments in medication research that combine SGLT-2 drugs with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications have shown notable effects on weight loss and glucose control, suggesting that a multifaceted approach could yield substantial benefits for patients. Dr. Shafipour comments, “Both of these classes have shown a lot of benefits in terms of diabetic control, as well as weight loss.”
Despite the benefits of these medications, it remains crucial to initiate effective treatments early. Once individuals become insulin-dependent due to prolonged diabetes, their options for reversing or managing the disease become limited. Dr. Shafipour stresses, “The more we can find efficient drugs before people go on insulin… we keep the pancreatic function when [improving] insulin sensitivity.”
In addition to pharmacological approaches, lifestyle modifications such as bariatric surgery and very low-calorie diets have also been associated with diabetes remission in overweight or obese patients. Weight reduction plays a significant role in achieving remission, underlining the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies.
As researchers continue to explore various combinations of treatment options, the hope remains that more individuals will be able to manage their diabetes effectively and possibly achieve remission. With ongoing advancements in medical science, there is optimism for future breakthroughs that may redefine how type 2 diabetes is treated.
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