A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that nearly one-third of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India have achieved remission through an intensive lifestyle intervention program. This study, conducted by Pramod Tripathi from the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic & Diabetes Research Foundation in India, sheds light on the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in managing diabetes in the Indian population.
Type 2 diabetes affects a significant portion of the Indian population, with over 72 million individuals living with the condition. While lifestyle interventions have shown promise in managing diabetes in Western populations, there is limited data on their effectiveness in India. Factors such as genetics and lifestyle habits unique to India place the population at a higher risk for diabetes.
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 between May 2021 and August 2023. The program, delivered through a mobile application by a dedicated care team, included a personalized plant-based diet, structured physical activity, group therapy, individual counseling, and medication management.
Results showed that 31.2% of participants achieved diabetes remission, which was defined as maintaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels below 48 mmol/mol for at least three months without the use of glucose-lowering medications. The remission group demonstrated significant improvements in weight, body mass index, HbA1c levels, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance compared to the non-remission group.
Individuals under 50 years of age, with higher body mass index, no prior medication use, and a shorter duration of diabetes (less than 6 years) were more likely to achieve remission. The study, while limited by its retrospective design and lack of a control group, highlights the potential of intensive lifestyle interventions in achieving diabetes remission in the Indian population.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of a culturally adapted lifestyle program in managing type 2 diabetes. They state, “Our research demonstrates that nearly one-third of individuals with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through a scientifically designed, culturally tailored, and structured lifestyle intervention. This represents the first large-scale evidence from India highlighting the potential of intensive lifestyle modification in achieving type 2 diabetes remission.”
For more information on the study, you can refer to the article published in PLOS One with the DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333114. This groundbreaking research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in managing type 2 diabetes in the Indian population.
