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UK researchers found that a weight management program might help cure type 2 diabetes.
Traditionally, the disease is treated with medications that only manage its symptoms, but not totally cure it. One of the common causes of type 2 diabetes is obesity. To find a cure, researchers led by University of Glasgow professor Mike Lean studied a weight management program that may reverse type 2 diabetes.
Professor Lean spearheaded the study on Counterweight Plus, a one-year weight management program designed for severely obese individuals aged 18 and above.
People who wish to undergo the program will be screened to determine if they have a BMI of 30 or more. Those who meet the criteria will be prescribed to undergo Total Diet Replacement, wherein they can only eat soups or drink formula shakes for about two months. After this period, they will slowly start eating food with fewer calories.
Aside from diet changes, the program also includes dietitian appointments to help patients prevent regaining weight. Those who undergo the program may expect up to 20 kilograms weight loss after a year.
Professor Lean’s team studied the effectiveness of Counterweight Plus by testing it on 91 patients with severe obesity. At the end of the study, almost all of them had significant weight loss, with some losing about 30 to 40kg. Some of the patients were also able to maintain their weight loss after the program.
Professor Lean said that a weight loss of at least 15 kilograms can reverse many cases of type 2 diabetes. However, the Counterweight Plus program is still being evaluated and the professor advises patients to consult their doctors about weight loss programs first.