Dr. Laith Abu-Raddad and Dr. Sarah Kanbour
Doha, Qatar: A pivotal study by researchers at Aman Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals a strong, dose-dependent relationship between weight loss and the likelihood of achieving remission of type 2 diabetes—effectively reversing the condition—among individuals with diabetes and overweight or obesity.
This global analysis synthesises data from randomised controlled trials conducted across all world regions, delivering transformative insights into diabetes management and care.
Diabetes is a pressing and escalating global health challenge, affecting an estimated 537 million adults aged 20–79 years worldwide. As a major contributor to cardiovascular complications, diabetes ranks among the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability, exerting a profound toll on individuals and societies. Beyond its health impacts, it reduces quality of life and places a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
The study findings indicated that for every one percentage point reduction in body weight, the likelihood of recovering from diabetes increases by approximately two percentage points. For example, among individuals who achieved a 20% weight loss, over 40% experienced diabetes recovery, attaining blood glucose levels comparable to those without the condition.
The study also found that for every one percentage point reduction in body weight, the likelihood of achieving partial diabetes remission increased by approximately three percentage points. For example, among individuals who achieved a 20% weight loss, approximately 60% were no longer classified as having diabetes, either fully recovering or attaining blood glucose levels within the prediabetes range — a state associated with significantly lower risk of complications compared to living with diabetes.
WCM-Q alumna Dr. Sarah Kanbour, lead author of the study, an endocrinology consultant at Aman Hospital and a researcher at WCM-Q, said, “Our study demonstrates that living with diabetes does not have to be a lifelong destiny, offering hope to millions affected by this condition. Diabetes can be reversed through weight loss. Remarkably, among those who achieved over 30% weight loss, 79% experienced diabetes recovery, enabling them to live healthy lives without the need for medications or the fear of diabetes-related complications.
“The study also underscored the broader benefits of weight loss on glycemic control, even when full recovery is not achieved. By improving glucose regulation, weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of complications, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of diabetes management strategies.”
Dr. Laith Abu Raddad, senior author of the study and professor of population health sciences at WCM-Q, said, “The study’s findings offer a window of hope and an opportunity to counter the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, one of the most widespread diseases worldwide.
The key to combating diabetes is weight loss, and we are in a transformative era with diverse interventions capable of achieving substantial weight reduction effectively and with minimal side effects. Notably, the recent availability and expanding pipeline of highly effective weight loss medications present powerful tools to address obesity and enable diabetes recovery. However, it is critical that these medications become accessible and affordable to everyone worldwide who could benefit from them.”
Dr. Hussain Ismaeel, chair of medicine and director of the Cardiometabolic Centre of Excellence at Aman Hospital, said: “This innovative research highlights how cutting-edge scientific studies can directly influence healthcare delivery and enhance patient outcomes.”
