Health, Canada (Commonwealth Union) – Type 2 diabetes, once perceived as a manageable yet progressive condition, has evolved into a major global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. This chronic metabolic disorder is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells fail to respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is intricately linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary choices play pivotal roles in the development of insulin resistance. As the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels, individuals with Type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, kidney disease, nerve damage, and other serious health issues.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that demands unwavering dedication, resilience, and adaptability. While the challenges are significant, ongoing research and technological advancements offer hope for improved management and quality of life. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of Type 1 diabetes, it is essential to acknowledge the strength and perseverance of individuals facing this condition and to promote a collective commitment to advancing research and support systems that can make a meaningful impact on their lives.
Building on promising findings from a significant U.K. study, researchers suggest that certain individuals might effectively manage the disease without resorting to medications.
The University of Alberta’s research team, led by Professor Norm Boulé and PhD student Jordan Rees from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, is exploring whether a combination of diet and exercise could halt the progression of Type 2 diabetes or induce remission in some cases. Preliminary results indicate that through a rigorous lifestyle intervention, certain patients may stabilize blood sugar levels without the need for medications.
“Concerningly, Type 2 diabetes, once primarily seen in older adults, is now being diagnosed in younger individuals,” said Boulé, who is a member of the Alberta Diabetes Institute. “Early intervention is paramount, given the more aggressive progression observed in younger patients.”
The predominant form of diabetes in Alberta is Type 2 diabetes, traditionally regarded as a manageable but progressive condition. However, a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors has contributed to a concerning rise in Type 2 diabetes cases in the region. Recent statistics reveal a nearly twofold increase in diabetes rates in Alberta over a decade. In 2022, this translates to over 403,000 Albertans, constituting eight percent of the population, living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Notably, 90 to 95 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2.
While the concept of “remission” is commonly associated with conditions like cancer, it has gradually become part of the diabetes research lexicon. Despite the conventional perception of diabetes as a progressively deteriorating condition, a growing body of evidence suggests the potential to halt or even induce remission in Type 2 diabetes.
The Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) from the U.K. stands as a significant milestone in this research area. Participants in the trial followed a 12- to 20-week low-energy meal replacement diet, resulting in 46 percent achieving remission after one year, with the figure remaining at 36 percent after two years.
In contrast to the DiRECT trial, which primarily focused on dietary interventions, Professor Norm Boulé’s ongoing research seeks to augment the benefits of a low-energy diet by incorporating a structured exercise component. Boulé underscores the importance of maintaining and building muscles for glucose storage. Given the natural decline in muscle mass with aging, an exercise regimen becomes essential.
Boulé emphasizes the individual variability in treatment responses, clarifying that the lack of remission does not necessarily reflect a lack of effort on the part of patients. “The disease has multiple facets, and different interventions may be needed for different individuals.”
