Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed In Young Adults? Lancet Study Finds Intensive Diet And Exercise Could Trigger Remission

Type 2 <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a> is an incurable but manageable metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide. But a new clinical trial has shown promise in reversing type 2 <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a> in young adults through intensive diet and exercise. It suggests that more than half younger adults with this condition may be able to achieve remission within six months through a structured programme combining a low-calorie diet with supervised aerobic and strength training.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, found that 54% of participants who followed the intensive lifestyle programme achieved diabetes remission after 24 weeks. In comparison, only 4% of those receiving usual medical care reached the same outcome.

The research, called the RESET for Remission trial, was led by researchers from McGill University in Canada and the University of Leicester in the UK. It focused on adults with early-onset <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/retatrutide-vs-ozempic-eli-lillys-experimental-drug-delivers-more-than-double-the-weight-loss-article-156447742" data-type="tilCustomLink">type 2 diabetes</a>, a form of the disease diagnosed before the age of 45.

<h2>How Did The Study Test Diet And Exercise For Diabetes Remission?</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-drugs-may-be-more-effective-than-metformin-at-preventing-diabetes-study-article-156455262" data-type="tilCustomLink">GLP-1 Drugs May Be More Effective Than Metformin At Preventing Diabetes: Study</a>

The trial enrolled 96 adults aged 18 to 45 who had both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited at research centres in Montreal and Edmonton in Canada, and Leicester in the UK. None of them were using insulin.

Of these, 50 were assigned to the intensive diet-and-exercise programme, while 46 received usual medical care. For the first 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group followed a very low-calorie diet providing 800 to 900 calories a day. 

During the first two weeks, they consumed meal-replacement products. From weeks three to 12, they could include one structured meal containing lean protein and vegetables alongside the meal replacements.

The programme also included supervised aerobic and resistance training twice a week, along with one independent exercise session each week. For the next 12 weeks, participants followed a healthy diet designed to maintain their weight loss and continued exercising.

Blood sugar and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/blood-pressure-in-your-ankles-how-the-abi-test-can-reveal-hidden-artery-disease-article-156436266" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood pressure</a> medications were stopped at the beginning of the intervention under medical supervision, according to the study protocol.

To qualify for remission, participants had to maintain an HbA1c level below 6.5% without taking medication for at least 12 weeks. HbA1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over approximately three months.

<h2>54% Achieved Diabetes Remission After Six Months</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/early-adulthood-obesity-linked-to-thyroid-ovarian-and-endometrial-cancers-study-of-6-3-million-article-156453678" data-type="tilCustomLink">Early Adulthood Obesity Linked To Thyroid, Ovarian And Endometrial Cancers: Study Of 6.3 Million</a>

At the end of 24 weeks, 27 of the 50 participants in the intensive lifestyle group had achieved remission, compared to two of the 46 participants receiving usual care.

After considering relevant factors, researchers found that participants following the intensive programme were 21 times more likely to achieve remission than those receiving standard care.

The intervention group also experienced greater weight loss. Participants with available weight data lost an average of 8.4 kg over 24 weeks, compared to 1.2 kg in the usual care group. After adjustment, the difference in weight loss between the groups was approximately 7.5 kg.

The benefits were not just limited to body weight and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/ayurveda/experts-discuss-ayurveda-for-treating-lifestyle-disorders-medical-emergencies-trauma-at-times-health-summit-2026-article-156421860" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood sugar</a>. MRI scans showed that participants in the intervention group lost more than 9% of their liver fat and more than 24% of their visceral fat, which is the fat stored around internal organs.

Their physical fitness improved, grip strength increased, and blood pressure and resting heart rate declined. Participants also reported fewer symptoms of depressed mood, distress and better quality of life.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/90-year-old-japanese-bodybuilder-says-he-has-never-fallen-sick-shares-how-he-maintains-muscle-strength-article-156454155" data-type="tilCustomLink">90-Year-Old Japanese Bodybuilder Says He Has Never Fallen Sick, Shares How He Maintains Muscle Strength</a>

One of the important aspects of the programme was its focus on preserving muscle during rapid weight loss. Losing weight through severe calorie restriction can reduce both body fat as well as mass, which includes muscle. Researchers wanted to determine whether adding resistance training could help participants lose fat while maintaining muscle.

Lead author Dr Kaberi Dasgupta, professor of medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at McGill University, told Fox News Digital, "Our study shows that it is possible to combine a low-calorie diet with supervised exercise in young adults with type 2 diabetes," she said.

"There has previously been some concern about combining the two as being too much of a burden for people. However, people in our study stayed in our study."

Explaining the role of exercise in the results, Dasgupta said, "In our study, we think the diet provoked the weight loss, and exercise helped make sure it was [not] from muscle."

She added, "We were happy and surprised that not only did people lose fat from their organs and liver, our MRI studies indicated their muscle did not decrease at all and their handgrip strength went up."

Gut Health Under Threat? Experts Reveal the Biggest Risks, From Obesity to Cancer

The researchers also focused on muscle preservation. "Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of combining structured aerobic and resistance exercise with a low energy diet in early onset type 2 diabetes, supporting its potential to deliver substantial and holistic health and well-being benefits alongside diabetes remission."

However, the trial did not include a separate group following the low-calorie diet without exercise. Therefore, researchers could not establish how much of the muscle preservation and fitness improvement was specifically due to exercise. 

Dasgupta acknowledged this limitation and said, "The main limitation is that we had to compare the diet plus exercise with usual care," she said. "We would have liked to compare diet alone against diet and exercise to perfectly prove the point that the improvements in muscle and fitness were from the exercise."

Health Conditions A-Z

health

can-type-2-diabetes-be-reversed-in-young-adults-lancet-study-finds-intensive-diet-and-exercise-could-trigger-remission

Diabetes

Lancet

Type 2 Diabetes

mcgill university

Diabetes remission

university of leicester

blood sugar

blood pressure

glp-1-drugs-may-be-more-effective-than-metformin-at-preventing-diabetes-study

GLP-1 Drugs May Be More Effective Than Metformin At Preventing Diabetes: Study

new-york-reports-first-measles-associated-death-in-30-years

New York Reports First Measles-Associated Death In 30 Years As Cases Continue To Rise

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Type 2 diabetes is an incurable but manageable metabolic disorder that affects millions worldwide. But a new clinical trial has shown promise in reversing type 2 diabetes in young adults through intensive diet and exercise. It suggests that more than half younger adults with this condition may be able to achieve remission within six months through a structured programme combining a low-calorie diet with supervised aerobic and strength training.The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, found that 54% of participants who followed the intensive lifestyle programme achieved diabetes remission after 24 weeks. In comparison, only 4% of those receiving usual medical care reached the same outcome.The research, called the RESET for Remission trial, was led by researchers from McGill University in Canada and the University of Leicester in the UK. It focused on adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes, a form of the disease diagnosed before the age of 45.How Did The Study Test Diet And Exercise For Diabetes Remission?Also read: GLP-1 Drugs May Be More Effective Than Metformin At Preventing Diabetes: StudyThe trial enrolled 96 adults aged 18 to 45 who had both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited at research centres in Montreal and Edmonton in Canada, and Leicester in the UK. None of them were using insulin.Of these, 50 were assigned to the intensive diet-and-exercise programme, while 46 received usual medical care. For the first 12 weeks, participants in the intervention group followed a very low-calorie diet providing 800 to 900 calories a day. During the first two weeks, they consumed meal-replacement products. From weeks three to 12, they could include one structured meal containing lean protein and vegetables alongside the meal replacements.The programme also included supervised aerobic and resistance training twice a week, along with one independent exercise session each week. For the next 12 weeks, participants followed a healthy diet designed to maintain their weight loss and continued exercising.Blood sugar and blood pressure medications were stopped at the beginning of the intervention under medical supervision, according to the study protocol.To qualify for remission, participants had to maintain an HbA1c level below 6.5% without taking medication for at least 12 weeks. HbA1c is a blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over approximately three months.54% Achieved Diabetes Remission After Six MonthsAlso read: Early Adulthood Obesity Linked To Thyroid, Ovarian And Endometrial Cancers: Study Of 6.3 MillionAt the end of 24 weeks, 27 of the 50 participants in the intensive lifestyle group had achieved remission, compared to two of the 46 participants receiving usual care.After considering relevant factors, researchers found that participants following the intensive programme were 21 times more likely to achieve remission than those receiving standard care.The intervention group also experienced greater weight loss. Participants with available weight data lost an average of 8.4 kg over 24 weeks, compared to 1.2 kg in the usual care group. After adjustment, the difference in weight loss between the groups was approximately 7.5 kg.The benefits were not just limited to body weight and blood sugar. MRI scans showed that participants in the intervention group lost more than 9% of their liver fat and more than 24% of their visceral fat, which is the fat stored around internal organs.Their physical fitness improved, grip strength increased, and blood pressure and resting heart rate declined. Participants also reported fewer symptoms of depressed mood, distress and better quality of life.Importance Of Strength TrainingAlso read: 90-Year-Old Japanese Bodybuilder Says He Has Never Fallen Sick, Shares How He Maintains Muscle StrengthOne of the important aspects of the programme was its focus on preserving muscle during rapid weight loss. Losing weight through severe calorie restriction can reduce both body fat as well as mass, which includes muscle. Researchers wanted to determine whether adding resistance training could help participants lose fat while maintaining muscle.Lead author Dr Kaberi Dasgupta, professor of medicine and director of the Division of General Internal Medicine at McGill University, told Fox News Digital, "Our study shows that it is possible to combine a low-calorie diet with supervised exercise in young adults with type 2 diabetes," she said."There has previously been some concern about combining the two as being too much of a burden for people. However, people in our study stayed in our study."Explaining the role of exercise in the results, Dasgupta said, "In our study, we think the diet provoked the weight loss, and exercise helped make sure it was [not] from muscle."She added, "We were happy and surprised that not only did people lose fat from their organs and liver, our MRI studies indicated their muscle did not decrease at all and their handgrip strength went up."            The researchers also focused on muscle preservation. "Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of combining structured aerobic and resistance exercise with a low energy diet in early onset type 2 diabetes, supporting its potential to deliver substantial and holistic health and well-being benefits alongside diabetes remission."However, the trial did not include a separate group following the low-calorie diet without exercise. Therefore, researchers could not establish how much of the muscle preservation and fitness improvement was specifically due to exercise. Dasgupta acknowledged this limitation and said, "The main limitation is that we had to compare the diet plus exercise with usual care," she said. "We would have liked to compare diet alone against diet and exercise to perfectly prove the point that the improvements in muscle and fitness were from the exercise."

can type 2 diabetes be reversed in young adults? lancet study finds intensive diet and exercise could trigger remission

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed In Young Adults? Lancet Study Finds Intensive Diet And Exercise Could Trigger Remission

GLP-1 Drugs May Be More Effective Than Metformin At Preventing Diabetes: Study

Early Adulthood Obesity Linked To Thyroid, Ovarian And Endometrial Cancers: Study Of 6.3 Million

Scientists Find New Way To Fight Bad Cholesterol: Could It Offer An Alternative To Statins?

Health Conditions A-Z

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed In Young Adults? Lancet Study Finds Intensive Diet And Exercise Could Trigger Remission

GLP-1 Drugs May Be More Effective Than Metformin At Preventing Diabetes: Study

New York Reports First Measles-Associated Death In 30 Years As Cases Continue To Rise