A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has shown that for every 1 percentage point reduction in body weight, the probability of reaching complete remission of type 2 diabetes increased by 2.17 percentage points. Similarly, for every 1 percentage point reduction in body weight, the likelihood of achieving partial diabetes remission increased by almost 3 percentage points.¹ 

This systematic review and meta-regression analysis was conducted to systematically review, synthesize, and report global evidence from randomized controlled trials involving individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants achieving either:

• Complete diabetes remission (HbA1c <6.0% or fasting plasma glucose [FPG] <100 mg/dL, or both, without the use of glucose-lowering medications).
• Partial diabetes remission (HbA1c <6.5% or FPG <126 mg/dL, or both, without the use of antihyperglycemic agents).

Remission status was assessed at least one year following a weight loss intervention.

The objective of the study was to ascertain the association between the amount of weight loss and diabetes remission after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The study also sought to estimate the effect sizes of these factors on diabetes remission outcomes. Twenty-two relevant publications, which included 29 outcome measures of complete diabetes remission and 33 outcome measures of partial remission were identified.

The pooled mean proportion of participants achieving complete remission one year after the intervention varied by the degree of weight loss. It was 0.7% in individuals with <10% weight loss and 49.6% in those with 20–29% weight loss. What was noteworthy was the observation that 79.1% of those who achieved ≥ 30% weight loss experienced diabetes remission. No studies reported complete remission for individuals with 10–19% weight loss.

The pooled mean proportion of participants achieving partial diabetes remission one year after the intervention was 5.4% in individuals with <10% weight loss, 48.4% in those with 10–19% weight loss and 69.3% in those with 20–29% weight loss. Nearly 90% of those with ≥30% weight loss could achieve partial remission of diabetes.

The study observed a strong positive association between loss of body weight and diabetes remission. For each 1% decrease in bodyweight, the probability of achieving complete remission increased by 2.17 percentage points. The probability of achieving partial remission increased by 2.74 percentage points.

No significant or appreciable associations were found between age, sex, race, diabetes duration, baseline BMI, HbA1c, insulin use, or type of weight loss intervention and diabetes remission.

By demonstrating a strong dose-response relationship between weight loss and diabetes remission, this study reiterates the vital role of weight management in diabetes care. The effects were seen regardless of the type of weight loss intervention. Weight loss, therefore, is a fundamental strategy for diabetes management, independent of individual characteristics. Weight loss significantly reduces the risk of complications by improving glycemic control.

Reference

1.   Kanbour S, et al. Impact of bodyweight loss on type 2 diabetes remission: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025 Feb 26:S2213-8587(24)00346-2. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00346-2.