Study Overview

This study explored how low-calorie diets can help Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) achieve remission. Unlike other ethnic groups, Chinese people have unique characteristics related to T2D and obesity. The goal was to see if a low-calorie formula diet (LCFD) or a low-calorie real food-based diet (LCRFD) could be effective for them.

Study Details

The study lasted for 6 months. It included:

A 3-month weight loss phase where participants consumed 815-835 calories per day.
A 3-month maintenance phase to keep the weight off.

Participants had a body mass index (BMI) between 24-45 kg/m² and an HbA1c level of 6.5-12.0%. They stopped taking diabetes medications from day one and were divided into two groups: one received LCFD and the other LCRFD.

Key Results

After 6 months:

About 29.3% of participants lost 12 kg or more.
39.0% lost at least 10% of their body weight.
56.1% achieved remission from T2D.

Improvements were also noted in liver and pancreatic fat, insulin sensitivity, and other health markers. Both diets showed similar effectiveness.

Factors Influencing Success

Women, those with more body fat, longer diabetes duration, poorer blood sugar control, and lower beta-cell function were less likely to achieve remission.

Conclusions

The rates of T2D remission and weight loss in Chinese participants were similar to those seen in other populations, although individual results varied. Both LCFD and LCRFD were effective.