New findings from the landmark Look AHEAD study have revealed that achieving remission from type 2 diabetes through weight loss is associated with large reductions in rates of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Increasingly, remission from type 2 diabetes is being seen as a goal that many people can attain. While previously associated with bariatric surgery, the Look AHEAD and DiRECT studies demonstrated that lifestyle interventions can also be effective in achieving remission from diabetes and prediabetes. The impact of remission through such interventions on long-term health outcomes, however, has not been examined.
Look AHEAD was a 12-year, multicentre, randomised control trial that compared the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention with that of diabetes support and education. Researchers conducted observational post hoc analyses of the study data to establish whether achieving remission resulted in a reduction in the incidence of diabetes-related CKD and CVD.
The analytical sample size was 4488 (58% female; mean age, 59 years; mean diabetes duration, 6 years; and mean BMI, 35.8 kg/m2). Diabetes remission (defined as taking no diabetes medication and an HbA1c <48 mmol/mol) was recorded during at least one follow-up visit in 12.7% of participants. Most remissions were relatively short-lived, with the percentage of participants with remission decreasing to 4% by the eighth year of the study.
Those with any evidence of remission had a 33% lower rate of CKD (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52–0.87]) and a 40% lower rate of CVD (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47–0.79]) in adjusted analyses, compared to those without remission. The magnitude of the risk reduction was greatest for those with evidence of longer-term remission.
The authors conclude that these associations may be affected by post-baseline improvements in weight, fitness, HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol. While this study demonstrates the promise of lifestyle-based remission, they caution that the long-term sustainability of such intensive interventions is unclear and emphasise the need for continued follow-up in remission studies.
The full study findings can be read here.
Journal of
Diabetes Nursing
Issue:
Early View
Diabetes remission provides lasting cardiorenal benefits
New findings from the landmark Look AHEAD study have revealed that achieving remission from type 2 diabetes through weight loss is associated with large reductions in rates of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Increasingly, remission from type 2 diabetes is being seen as a goal that many people can attain. While previously associated with bariatric surgery, the Look AHEAD and DiRECT studies demonstrated that lifestyle interventions can also be effective in achieving remission from diabetes and prediabetes. The impact of remission through such interventions on long-term health outcomes, however, has not been examined.
Look AHEAD was a 12-year, multicentre, randomised control trial that compared the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention with that of diabetes support and education. Researchers conducted observational post hoc analyses of the study data to establish whether achieving remission resulted in a reduction in the incidence of diabetes-related CKD and CVD.
The analytical sample size was 4488 (58% female; mean age, 59 years; mean diabetes duration, 6 years; and mean BMI, 35.8 kg/m2). Diabetes remission (defined as taking no diabetes medication and an HbA1c <48 mmol/mol) was recorded during at least one follow-up visit in 12.7% of participants. Most remissions were relatively short-lived, with the percentage of participants with remission decreasing to 4% by the eighth year of the study.
Those with any evidence of remission had a 33% lower rate of CKD (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52–0.87]) and a 40% lower rate of CVD (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47–0.79]) in adjusted analyses, compared to those without remission. The magnitude of the risk reduction was greatest for those with evidence of longer-term remission.
The authors conclude that these associations may be affected by post-baseline improvements in weight, fitness, HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol. While this study demonstrates the promise of lifestyle-based remission, they caution that the long-term sustainability of such intensive interventions is unclear and emphasise the need for continued follow-up in remission studies.
The full study findings can be read here.
Menopause care in women with diabetes: a practical guide for nurses
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)
Female sexual dysfunction in women living with diabetes
The hidden epidemic: how type 2 diabetes is impacting the mental health of adolescents
Insulin, mental health and risks to patient safety – a national examination of the issues
Type 2 diabetes rehabilitation: an exercise and education programme
Improving equitable access to diabetes technology in children and young people: a practical service model
Recognising and understanding menopause-related issues in women with diabetes.
3 Jun 2026
Practical guidance on this underreported chronic condition.
3 Jun 2026
FSD: causes, consequences, and practical strategies for assessment and management.
3 Jun 2026
Practical strategies for improving outcomes in those experiencing emotional distress.
1 Jun 2026