Weight loss can restore the function of the pancreas in type 2 diabetes

A new investigation presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) has shown for the first time that reverting type 2 diabetes can also restore the pancreas to a normal size and shape.

In 2019, the investigation revealed that achieving the remission of type 2 diabetes through intensive weight loss can restore the insulin production capacity of the pancreas to levels similar to those of the people who have never been diagnosed with the condition.

"Our previous research demonstrated the return to normal long -term glucose control, but some experts continue to affirm that this is simply 'well -controlled diabetes' despite our demonstration of a return to normal insulin production by the pancreas.However, our new findings of important changes in the size and shape of the pancreas are a convincing proof that it returns to the normal state, "says Professor Roy Taylor at the University of Newcastle, in the United Kingdom, who directed the research.

"Large amounts of insulin make the tissues grow or at least maintain their size,".

It affects 1 in 11 of the world adult population (415 million people), and increasing, type 2 diabetes is caused by too much glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood because the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (A hormone that breaks down energy glucose in cells) along with insulin resistance.

In the study, 64 participants of the historic clinical essay of diabetes (direct) and 64 age controls, sex and weight without type 2 diabetes were measured for 2 years to determine the volume of the pancreas and fat levels, and the levels of fat, and theIrregularity of the edges of the pancreas using a special magnetic resonance.

The function of beta cells, key to the body's ability to produce and release insulin was also recorded.The responders (people in remission) were classified according to those who reached a level of glucosylated hemoglobin A1c (HBA1C) of less than 6.5% and blood glucose on an empty stomach of less than 7.0 mmol / L, without all medications.

At the beginning of the study, the average volume of the pancreas was 20% lower (64 cm3 compared to 80 cm3) and the edges of the pancreas were more irregular in people with diabetes compared to controls without diabetes.

After 5 months of weight loss, the volume of the pancreas remained unchanged independently of the remission (63 cm3 to 64 cm3 for those who responded and 59 cm3 to 60 cm3 in which they did not respond).However, after 2 years, the pancreas had grown on average around a fifth size (from 63 cm3 to 76 cm3) in which they responded compared to around a twelve (from 59 cm3 to 64 cm3) in whichThey did not.

In addition, those who responded lost a significant amount of fat from their pancreas (1.6%) compared to those who did not respond (around 0.5%) during the study period, and reached normal limits of the pancreas.

Similarly, only those who responded showed an early and sustained improvement in the function of beta cells.After 5 months of weight loss, the amount of insulin produced by the responders increased and remained at 2 years, but there were no changes in non -responders.

"Our findings provide a test of the link between the main tissue of the pancreas that produces digestive juicesAnd the much smaller fabric produced by insulin, and open possibilities of being able to predict the future appearance of type 2 diabetes by exploration of the pancreas, "says Professor Taylor.

"All our research has focused on type 2 diabetes that has been developed in the last 6 years. Although some people with much longer diabetes can achieve remission, it is clear that insulin producing cells become less and lesscapable of recovering over time-he explains.

The doctor concludes that "type 2 diabetes is a simple disease that occurs when a person has more fat within his body than he can endure. The solution to the enormous and growing problem of type 2 diabetes in the population is in the hands ofPoliticians.

Despite these important findings, the study has some limitations, including the fact that the follow -up was only 2 years and the observations were not previously planned, but were made in retrospect.

Dr. Elizabeth Robertson, director of Research at Diabetes UK, who financed the study, said: "Our historical Direct essay has revolutionized thinking about type 2 diabetes; we no longer consider it a life condition for all, and we know that theremission is possible for some people.The weight loss.

"However, we still have questions to answer, as why remission is not possible for everyone. As NHS England begins its proof of a Direct Inspired Weight Control Remission Program, it is key that we continue to explore these questions forAchieve a possibility for as many people as possible. "

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