In early January, BMJ Nutrition published an 8-year audit from Dr. David Unwin's practice at the Norwood Surgery in the UK. The paper was co-authored with Dr. Roy Taylor, the principal investigator in the DiRECT trial. Results from the practice audit showed that for those patients choosing a low-carbohydrate approach, the following results were achieved:
97% showed improved type 2 diabetes control over 33 months;
77% of those starting within 1 year after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes achieved remission;
Overall 51% of all participants achieved remission.
Key messages from the paper:
Type 2 diabetes remission is possible, even in a busy primary care practice;
The earlier that the approach is implemented, the greater the chance of remission;
Almost all the patients who chose to adopt a low carbohydrate approach in this practice saw other significant health benefits even if drug-free remission was not achieved;
Results can deteriorate and relapses occur if patients are not provided ongoing support through educational materials, group sessions, effective coping strategies, and timely feedback;
Hope is a powerful motivator.
This paper reflects a real-world practice and is not randomized, does not have a control group, and therefore has the potential for bias.
However, it provides important insights into what is possible in primary care when type 2 diabetes remission options are given to patients and when results are tracked on an ongoing basis.
If you are interested in type 2 diabetes remission, it is worth your time to read the whole paper, found here:
Huge congratulations go out to David Unwin, Jen Unwin, and the team at Norwood Surgery for their ongoing efforts to demonstrate that type 2 diabetes remission is possible and for their continued commitment to sharing their results with the world. It is truly inspiring to see how one practice can, in fact, change the world. Don't you think everyone with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis should know that remission is possible? Help us get the word out by sharing this post.