Can T2 diabetes be curbed with diet, physical activity?

McMaster University researchers are leading two national research studies focused on treating diabetes with an intensive diet, physical activity and drug regimen for three months. The drugs are then stopped, and participants are followed to see if the diabetes returns. "We think this could work for up to 40 per cent of people with diabetes and possibly more," said Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, senior investigator of the studies and professor of medicine of 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 and assistant professor of medicine at McMaster University and an endocrinologist. "Participants are encouraged to do moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes five to six days a week.

They also receive individualized advice on how to improve their diet, and take three diabetes medications for three months, after which the medications are stopped," she said. "Participants also have frequent visits in the clinic to help with lifestyle modifications." "Study participants are certainly finding this to be a positive experience," McInnes added.