Response of Glycated Hemoglobin to Diabetes Remission Outcome Program in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The literature on diabetes mellitus [DM] remission by lifestyle changes has been sparse, although there is evidence of remission following bariatric surgery and a recent movement toward the objective of diabetes remission through lifestyle modification. The aim of the work: To investigate the response of glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] to diabetes remission outcome program [DROP] in type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. Patients and Methods: In this randomized controlled study, sixty patients suffering from T2DM with HbA1c of 6.5% to < 8%, and taking one or two oral for-DM medications were included. Patients were randomly and equally assigned into 2 groups; [30 patients for each T2DM group]. Group A received their prescribed oral medications associated with DROP [the protocol of DROP contained intermittent fasting diet and aerobic exercise [3 session/weeks] for 12 weeks while Group B received their prescribed oral medications only. Besides the random blood glucose [RBG], HbA1c, total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglycerides [TG], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL], timed up and go test [TUGT], mental component score of The Short Form 12 Life Quality Questionnaire [SF12MCS], and physical component score [SF12PCS] were assessed at day number 0 [baseline], day number 90, and day number 180. Results: Group A showed a significant improvement in the SF12MCS, LDL, HbA1c, TG, TC, SF12PCS, RBG, HDL, and TUGT when comparing the baseline values of outcomes with their values at 90 days or 180 days. No significant improvement in all outcomes was reported within group B at 90 days or 180 days. At day 90 or day 180, the between-group comparison of post-values of outcomes showed a significant improvement in the assessed outcomes in the direction of group A. Conclusion: The application of DROP in T2DM can produce a significant long-term improvement in RBG, TUGT, HbA1c, QoL, and lipid profile.