RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

DiEt ChoIce to Promote Type 2 Diabetes REmission

This study is exploring a new idea: that Type 2 Diabetes might be put into remission for some people. Remission means your blood sugar levels return to normal without needing diabetes medication. Usually, Type 2 Diabetes is seen as a lifelong condition managed with lifestyle changes and medicines. Researchers want to see if specific diets can help achieve this remission. They will compare a low-calorie diet with a low-carbohydrate diet. The study will look at how well people stick to each diet, if they prefer one over the other, and, most importantly, if their diabetes goes into remission. It’s about finding new ways to help people get their health back on track.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

100

Start

15 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Type 2 Diabetes

What is this study about?

For a long time, Type 2 Diabetes has been thought of as a condition you have for life, where you manage your blood sugar with diet, exercise, and medicines. However, new research suggests that for many people, it might be possible to get their blood sugar levels back to normal without needing medication. This is called 'remission'.

This study aims to discover if specific diet plans can help people achieve Type 2 Diabetes remission. We're comparing two main approaches: a low-calorie diet and a low-carbohydrate diet. The research will look at how well these diets work in helping to put diabetes into remission, and whether people find one easier or more satisfying to follow than the other. The hope is to find effective ways to help people reduce their reliance on diabetes medication.

The study will follow participants for about a year, in three stages. First, there's an intense period focusing on weight loss and carefully reducing diabetes medications. Then, you'll work towards finding a way of eating that you can stick with in the long term. Finally, the study will help you keep up your progress and maintain any weight loss or remission achieved. We'll also ask for feedback from participants and healthcare professionals to understand what helps and what makes it challenging.

Key takeaways

This study explores if diet can put Type 2 Diabetes into remission.
Remission means normal blood sugar without medication.
It compares low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets.
Participants will be monitored for about one year.
The goal is to reduce or stop diabetes medications under supervision.
Feedback from participants is an important part of the research.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be aged between 20 and 80 years old and have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes by a doctor. Your recent blood test (HbA1c) should show your blood sugar control is above a certain level, and your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be 27 or higher. Important: you should not have any existing health issues or dietary needs that would prevent you from safely following a low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. These include having had a recent heart attack, stroke, or unstable heart condition within the last two years. You also can't take part if you have certain liver, kidney, or neurological conditions, or if you've had weight-loss surgery in the past. If you've had significant unplanned weight loss recently, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, you won't be suitable.

Other reasons for not being able to join include a recent cancer diagnosis, severe allergies or dietary needs that clash with the study diets, a history of eating disorders, or moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions that affect daily life. Finally, if you're already on a strict low-carb or low-calorie diet, or if you can't access the internet (as some communication will be online), you wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 20 and 80 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes?
Do you have a BMI of 27 or higher?
Do you have any serious heart, liver, or kidney problems?
Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be pregnant soon?
Can you access the internet for study communications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll follow one of two special diets (either low-calorie or low-carbohydrate) for about a year. Initially, for the first 12 weeks, the focus will be on weight loss and carefully reducing your diabetes medications under medical supervision. For the next 8 weeks, you'll work with experts to find a healthy eating pattern that you can stick with for the long term.

The final phase, lasting about 32 weeks, will concentrate on maintaining any weight loss and diabetes remission you've achieved. Throughout the study, you'll have regular check-ups, blood tests, and discussions with the research team and dietitians. You'll also be asked to provide feedback through surveys and interviews about your experience with the diet. Communication with the team will often involve using the internet. The total duration of your participation in the study will be one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer a great benefit: the chance for your Type 2 Diabetes to go into remission, meaning you might need less or no medication. This could significantly improve your overall health and quality of life. However, participating in any diet-based study carries some potential risks. You might experience side effects from dietary changes, such as changes in energy levels or digestion, or from reductions in your medication. The research team will carefully monitor you for these and provide support. Your health and safety are paramount, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia Okanagan
Verified postcode
Kelowna, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What does 'diabetes remission' mean?

It means your blood sugar levels return to normal without you needing to take diabetes medication, ideally for a certain period.

What kind of diets will be used in the study?

The study will compare a low-calorie diet with a low-carbohydrate diet, both carefully planned and monitored by experts.

How long does the study last?

If you join, you will be part of the study for about one year.

Will I need to stop my diabetes medication?

Medication changes, including reducing or stopping, will be carefully managed and supervised by the study doctors throughout the process.

What if I don’t like the diet I’m on?

The study will look at your satisfaction and preferences, but you'll be assigned to one of the diets. You always have the right to leave the study if it's not working for you.

How to find out more

Barbara Oliveira, PhD

barbara.oliveira@ubc.ca (250) 859-9900 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.