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Review
. 2023 May;19(1):7-15.
doi: 10.17925/EE.2023.19.1.7. Epub 2023 Jan 11.

Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus a Behavioural Disorder? An Evidence Review for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention and Remission through Lifestyle Modification

Matthias Li  1 , Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen  2 , Ganesan Arunagirinathan  2 , Joseph Pappachan  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus a Behavioural Disorder? An Evidence Review for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Prevention and Remission through Lifestyle Modification

Matthias Li et al. touchREV Endocrinol. 2023 May.

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is steadily rising worldwide due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle combined with unhealthy food habits. Currently, the burden of diabetes on healthcare systems is unprecedented and rising daily. Several observational studies and randomized controlled trials provide clinical evidence that T2DM remission is possible by adopting dietary interventions and a strict exercise training protocol. Notably, these studies provide ample evidence for remission in patients with T2DM or for prevention in those with risk factors for the disease through various non-pharmacological behavioural interventions. In this article, we present two clinical cases of individuals who showed remission from T2DM/prediabetes via behavioural changes, especially through the adoption of a low-energy diet and exercise. We also discuss the recent advances in T2DM and obesity research, focusing on nutritional interventions and exercise and their benefits for weight loss, improved metabolic profile, enhanced glycaemic control and remission of diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes; exercise; lifestyle modifications; low-energy diets; obesity; type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: Matthias Li, Mohammad Sadiq Jeeyavudeen, Ganesan Arunagirinathan and Joseph Pappachan have no financial or non-financial relationships or activities to declare in relation to this article.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:. Dietary energy imbalance in the development of obesity
Figure 2:
Figure 2:. Physiological aspects of exercise metabolism and its benefit in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity prevention
Figure 3:
Figure 3:. Algorithm to modify the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and potentially reverse the disease at its early stage
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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