Is it possible to shift gears on type 2 diabetes and force it out of drive and into reverse? Well, that is exactly what the researchers at McMaster University, in Hamilton Canada are attempting to determine.
The McMaster group is spearheading two national research studies focused on treating diabetes with an intensive diet, increased physical activity, and drug regimen for 90 days. The drugs were then cut off, and participants were followed to see if diabetes returned.
“The pilot study, completed in 83 people, indicated that this approach is promising,” said Dr. Natalia McInnes, principal investigator for the studies.
“We think this could work for up to 40 percent of people with diabetes and possibly more,” said Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, senior investigator of the studies and a professor of medicine at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and an endocrinologist of Hamilton Health Sciences.
“Some studies have suggested that up to 10 per cent of people with diabetes go into remission with just diet and activity. Other studies say remission is higher with intensive medication therapy. So we had to test both together,” he said.
“The pilot study, completed in 83 people, indicated that this approach is promising,” said Dr. Natalia McInnes, principal investigator for the studies.
Participants were prompted to do moderate-intense physical activity for 30 minutes five to six days a week. They also offered advice on how to improve their diet and were asked to take three diabetes medications for three months. Following the three months, the medications were stopped.
“Study participants are certainly finding this to be a positive experience,” McInnes added.
Study participant Mary McCully of Hamilton lost 15 pounds and concurred that McInnes was correct about the positive experience. She said the comprehensive team approach helped her to achieve her goals of lowering my blood sugar and regained her health.
“After eight weeks my blood sugars are well under control, and I’m feeling healthier in general,” she added.
