EDMONTON — A research team from the University of Alberta is aiming to find out whether a combination of diet and exercise could stop the progression of Type 2 diabetes for some people — or even put the disease into remission.
Led by professor Norm Boulé and PhD student Jordan Rees, researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation are investigating the potential for diabetes remission. Their preliminary findings suggest some patients can stabilize blood sugar levels without medications, following an intensive lifestyle intervention.
“Concerningly, Type 2 diabetes, once primarily seen in older adults, is now being diagnosed in younger individuals,” says Boulé, who is a member of the Alberta Diabetes Institute. “Early intervention is paramount, given the more aggressive progression observed in younger patients.”
The majority of people with diabetes in Alberta have Type 2 diabetes. Though Type 2 diabetes has historically been viewed as a manageable yet progressive disease, the interplay of social, economic and environmental influences has led to its alarming surge in Alberta. According to recent statistics, diabetes rates in Alberta have almost doubled in just a decade. As of 2022, this means that eight per cent of the population — or more than 403,000 Albertans — are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and 90 to 95 per cent of those diagnosed with the disease will have Type 2.
While usually associated with cancer, the term “remission” has slowly been integrated into the diabetes research lexicon. Even though diabetes is normally viewed as a progressively worsening condition, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting it might be possible to halt Type 2 diabetes or even put it into remission.
One of the benchmarks in this area of research is the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) from the U.K., which saw participants undergo a 12- to 20-week, low-energy meal replacement diet. Boulé says after one year, 46 per cent of participants were in remission, and after two years, that figure was still at 36 per cent.
The DiRECT trial focused mainly on diet without incorporating a structured exercise regime. Boulé’s ongoing research aims to enhance the benefits of the low-energy diet approach by adding an exercise component. Boulé says maintaining and building muscles is crucial for storing glucose, and with the aging process leading to natural muscle reduction, an exercise regimen is essential.
Boulé emphasizes some patients respond better than others to treatments, and not achieving remission doesn’t equate to not putting in enough effort.
“The disease has multiple facets, and different interventions may be needed for different individuals.”
The full story can be seen here. To arrange an interview, please contact:
Ross Neitz | U of A media strategist | ross.neitz@ualberta.ca | 780-297-8354