Diet and exercise may reverse diabetes

A new study suggests that a strict diet combined with supervised physical exercise could lead to remission of type 2 diabetes in more than half of young adults diagnosed with the condition. The research, conducted by universities in McGill and Leicester and published in October 2026, focused on adults who developed type 2 diabetes before the age of 45.

Early-onset diabetes has greater risks

This early-onset form of type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of complications and a reduced life expectancy compared to the late-onset version. The study aimed to explore whether intensive lifestyle changes could reverse the disease in this vulnerable group.

Participants had obesity-related diabetes

The RESET for Remission trial included 96 adults aged 18 to 45, with an average age of 38. All participants had type 2 diabetes linked to obesity, with an average body mass index of 35.2. None were on insulin, and nearly half of the participants were women.

Intensive program included calorie restriction and exercise

During the first 12 weeks, participants followed a very low-calorie diet of 800 to 900 calories per day. They initially consumed meal replacements for all nutrients, later adding one solid meal daily. Supervised exercise included two weekly sessions combining aerobic and strength training, with a third session done independently.

Remission rates were significantly higher

After 24 weeks, 54% of the participants who followed the intensive program achieved remission of type 2 diabetes. In contrast, only 4% of those receiving standard care reached the same outcome. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas.