### New Research on Type 2 Diabetes and Lifestyle Changes Recent studies have shown that people who can temporarily reverse type 2 diabetes through intensive lifestyle changes are less likely to develop heart and kidney disease later in life. This process is often referred to as achieving 'remission' of diabetes. Remission is defined as when a person's A1C levels, which measure blood sugar over a few months, fall below the diabetes range (less than 6.5%) without the use of blood sugar-lowering medications. ### Key Findings - **Extended Health Benefits**: Lifestyle-based efforts to achieve type 2 diabetes remission are associated with long-term health benefits. These include a lower risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. - **Study Results**: In a study called Look AHEAD, participants who achieved diabetes remission had a 40% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 33% lower risk of kidney disease over 12 years. - **Weight Loss and Fitness**: The benefits are likely due to weight loss, improved fitness, and lower A1C and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. - **Duration Matters**: The longer the remission, the greater the health benefits. Those in remission for at least four years had a 55% reduction in kidney disease and a 49% reduction in cardiovascular disease. ### Challenges and Other Methods - **Not Easy**: Achieving remission is challenging and not permanent for most people. Only 11% of participants in the Look AHEAD study achieved remission after one year, and only 4% remained in remission after 12 years. - **Alternative Methods**: Other methods like very low-carbohydrate diets, meal replacements, and intermittent fasting can also help achieve remission. - **Medications**: Newer drugs like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) can lead to significant weight loss and protect the heart and kidneys, but they do not qualify as achieving remission because they involve ongoing medication use. ### Conclusion Even temporary remission of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes can bring long-term health benefits. While achieving remission is difficult, managing risk factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol can still provide significant health improvements.