Weight Loss for Diabetes Control Reveals Significant Heart and Kidney Health Benefits, Study Finds

According to UPI, a recent study highlights the remarkable health advantages beyond diabetes control for individuals shedding pounds. Researchers discovered that substantial weight loss leading to Type 2 diabetes remission not only achieved positive diabetes outcomes but also resulted in a 40% lower rate of heart disease and a 33% lower rate of kidney disease. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, marks the first intervention study linking remission to reduced complications, offering encouraging news for those managing Type 2 diabetes.

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Health Benefits of Diabetes Remission

In a 12-year study tracking 5,145 overweight or obese adults with Type 2 diabetes, researchers observed that 18% of participants achieved remission through an intensive diet and lifestyle plan. This remission was associated with lower rates of heart and kidney diseases compared to those who did not achieve remission.

Long-term remission, lasting at least four years, showed the most significant benefits, with a 49% reduced risk of heart disease and a 55% reduced risk of kidney disease. The findings underline the potential for sustained health improvements when individuals successfully achieve and maintain remission from Type 2 diabetes.

Factors influencing remission included shorter duration of diabetes, better blood sugar control, and substantial weight loss. While maintaining remission proved challenging, even brief episodes were linked to lower rates of heart and kidney disease, emphasizing the positive impact of successful diabetes management.

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Challenges and Encouraging Outcomes

Despite the difficulty in maintaining remission, the study indicates that any level of success in achieving remission is associated with subsequent health benefits. Only 3% of patients remained in remission by the eighth year, highlighting the ongoing challenges. However, the study underscores the potential for positive health outcomes, even with short-lived episodes of remission.

Lead researcher Edward Gregg expressed optimism about the findings, describing them as encouraging news for those who successfully achieve remission from Type 2 diabetes. The study serves as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining weight loss and remission but emphasizes the lasting health benefits associated with such achievements.

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