Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Integrative Medicine ›› 2022, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (4): 288-291.doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.04.001

• Commentary • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Remission of type 2 diabetes depends on prompt comprehensive lifestyle changes upon diagnosis: How can this “Road to Damascus” experience be supported?

Theocharis Koufakisa, Kalliopi Kotsaa, Nikolaos Papanasb   

  1. a. Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, 54636, Thessaloniki, Greece
    b. Diabetes Centre, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece

  • Received:2021-12-03 Accepted:2022-03-01 Online:2022-07-14 Published:2022-04-12
  • Contact: Nikolaos Papanas E-mail:papanasnikos@yahoo.gr

Theoretically, a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires a dramatic change in an individual’s way of life. Weight loss and physical activity can lead to remission of diabetes, which has been associated with a lower risk of developing complications. Today, the importance of a healthy lifestyle is further highlighted by data showing that obesity and diabetes increase the risk of severe complications from coronavirus disease 2019. However, remission rarely occurs in reality, probably due to the inability of people with T2DM to adhere to the intensive lifestyle interventions that are necessary. The complexity of contributing factors may explain why making these changes is so challenging and underscore the fact that there is no magical solution for T2DM. Instead, hard work from both patients and health care providers is needed for the conversion to be achieved. This article calls for more research on the underlying reasons why adhering to a healthy way of life is so difficult for people with diabetes and obesity. Clearly defining these barriers would facilitate the planning of effective policies to promote the adoption of appropriate lifestyle changes early in the course of the disease.

Key words: Type 2 diabetes, Remission, Exercise, Diet, Lifestyle change

[1] Masoud Rahmati, Mahdieh Molanouri Shamsi, Wongi Woo, Ai Koyanagi, Seung Won Lee, Dong Keon Yon, Jae Il Shin, Lee Smith. Effects of physical rehabilitation interventions in COVID-19 patients following discharge from hospital: A systematic review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023, 21(2): 149-158.
[2] Chu-lan Xiao, Zhi-peng Zhong, Can Lü, Bing-jie Guo, Jiao-jiao Chen, Tong Zhao, Zi-fei Yin, Bai Li. Physical exercise suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by alleviating hypoxia and attenuating cancer stemness through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023, 21(2): 184-193.
[3] Jessica L. Campbell. COVID-19: Reducing the risk via diet and lifestyle. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023, 21(1): 1-16.
[4] Ting Zhang, Qing Zhang, Wei Zheng, Ting Tao, Ruo-lan Li, Li-yu Wang, Wei Peng, Chun-jie Wu. Fructus Zanthoxyli extract improves glycolipid metabolism disorder of type 2 diabetes mellitus via activation of AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway: Network pharmacology and experimental validation. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(6): 543-560.
[5] Xin Wang, Wen-juan Song, Yi Ruan, Bing-chu Li, Can Lü, Nian Huang, Fan-fu Fang, Wei Gu. Core muscle functional strength training for reducing the risk of low-back pain in military recruits: An open-label randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(2): 145-152.
[6] Yang-hao-tian Wu, Wen-bo He, Yin-yan Gao, Xue-mei Han. Effects of traditional Chinese exercises and general aerobic exercises on older adults with sleep disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(6): 493-502.
[7] Tong Zhao, Bing-jie Guo, Chu-lan Xiao, Jiao-jiao Chen, Can Lü, Fan-fu Fang, Bai Li. Aerobic exercise suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating dynamin-related protein 1 through PI3K/AKT pathway. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(5): 418-427.
[8] Baoyi Shao, Saiying Hou, Yuenyan Chan, Changchun Shao, Lixing Lao. Remission of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus in an adolescent using an integrative medicine approach: A case report. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(1): 85-88.
[9] Dong-dong Yu, Liang-zhen You, Wan-qiu Huang, Hui Cao, Fan-jing Wang, Xiu-qin Tang, Zhao-hui Fang, Guo-ming Shen, Yu-xiang Guan. Effects of traditional Chinese exercises on blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(4): 292-302.
[10] Álisson de Carvalho Gonçalves, Einy Jéssika Siqueira Moreira, Guilherme Vannucchi Portari. Benfotiamine supplementation prevents oxidative stress in anterior tibialis muscle and heart. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(6): 423-429.
[11] Bérénice Colleville, Nicolas Perzo, Guillaume Avinée, Anaïs Dumesnil, Frederic Ziegler, Paul Billoir, Hélène Eltchaninoff, Vincent Richard, Eric Durand. Impact of high-fat diet and vitamin D3 supplementation on aortic stenosis establishment in waved-2 epidermal growth factor receptor mutant mice. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(2): 107-114.
[12] Zahra Hajmohammadi, Mojtaba Heydari, Majid Nimrouzi, Pouya Faridi, Mohammad Javad Zibaeenezhad, Gholamhossein Ranjbar Omrani, Mesbah Shams . Rhus coriaria L. increases serum apolipoprotein-A1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(1): 45-50.
[13] Hilal Yuksel, Yasemin Cayir, Zahide Kosan, Kenan Tastan. Effectiveness of breathing exercises during the second stage of labor on labor pain and duration: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(6): 456-461.
[14] Hidetaka Hamasaki. Exercise and gut microbiota: Clinical implications for the feasibility of Tai Chi. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(4): 270-281.
[15] Marjan Ahmad Shirvani, Narges Motahari-Tabari, Abbas Alipour. Use of ginger versus stretching exercises for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(4): 295-301.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Wei-xiong Liang. Problems-solving strategies in clinical treatment guideline for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 1-4
[2] Zhao-guo Li. Discussion on English translation of commonly used sentences in traditional Chinese medicine: part one. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 107-110
[3] Jun Hu, Jian-ping Liu. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 31
[4] Xue-mei Liu, Qi-fu Huang, Yun-ling Zhang, Jin-li Lou, Hong-sheng Liu, Hong Zheng. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponion on apoptosis of cortical neurons induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 45-50
[5] . Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals: Writing and editing for biomedical publication (Chinese version, part two). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1001-1005
[6] Daniel Weber, Janelle M Wheat, Geoffrey M Currie. Inflammation and cancer: Tumor initiation, progression and metastasis,and Chinese botanical medicines. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1006-1013
[7] Hong Liu , Guo-liang Zhang, Li Shen , Zhen Zeng, Bao-luo Zhou, Cheng-hai Liu, Guang Nie . Application and evaluation of a pseudotyped virus assay for screening herbs for anti-H5Nl avian influenza virus. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1036-1040
[8] Zhao-guo Li . A discussion of English translation of 1995 and 1997 Chinese National Standards of Traditional Chinese Medical Terminologies for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1090-1096
[9] Rui Jin, Bing Zhang. A complexity analysis of Chinese herbal property theory: the multiple formations of herbal property (Part 1). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1198-1205
[10] Hui-min Liu, Xian-bo Wang, Yu-juan Chang, Li-li Gu. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of integrative medicine therapy for treatment of chronic severe hepatitis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1211-1228