The original research into the effect that weight loss had on type 2 diabetes was startling – it cured it! Hardly believable. Now researchers have gathered data from a three-year extension of that landmark Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) and it’s thrown up findings that are even more remarkable.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of participants who were in remission from type 2 diabetes at two years in the original trial remain in remission at five years, no longer needing to use diabetes medications to manage their blood sugar levels. Furthermore, these people had an average weight loss of 8.9kg at five years.

The original DiRECT trial for people with type 2 involved a 12-week low-calorie diet, followed by support to gradually reintroduce healthy foods and maintain weight loss.

The landmark trial was the first to show that remission from type 2 diabetes is possible through diet, with almost half (46%) of people in remission at one year, and 36% at two years.

To understand the longer-term benefits of the programme, 95 participants of the original two-year DiRECT study continued to receive support to help maintain weight loss over the next three years.

Overall, this group saw greater improvements in blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and fewer needed medication, compared to the control group. The findings also show weight loss, and remission from type 2 diabetes, can prevent or delay the complications of the disease.

Professor Mike Lean at Glasgow University said: “Type 2 diabetes causes a range of progressive and life-shortening complications, notably blindness, infections, amputations, kidney failure and heart failure.

“It affects over four million people in UK and accounts for about 10% of NHS funding. The DiRECT Extension has shown us that a substantial proportion of people, managed in primary care, can maintain sufficient weight loss to be free from the condition for up to five years.”

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “Our DiRECT study has been pivotal in transforming the lives of people with type 2 diabetes by showing that the condition can be put into remission through weight loss. The new findings from DiRECT confirm that for some people, it is possible to stay in remission for at least five years.

“For those who put type 2 diabetes into remission, it can be life-changing, offering a better chance of a healthier future. For those that aren’t able to go into remission, losing weight can still lead to major health benefits, including the reduced risk of serious diabetes complications such as heart attack and stroke.”