Pune: A recent study published on 16th August 2025 in the Journal of Diabetes Research (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/jdr/3783469) has found that a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention (ILI) can significantly enhance glycaemic control and promote Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) remission in nonobese Indian patients in real-world conditions. The findings emphasize the critical role of early intervention and weight management in this population.
The study was conducted by doctors from Pune-based Freedom From Diabetes Clinic (FFD), led by Dr Pramod Tripathi along with Ms. Anagha Vyawahare, Dr Nidhi Kadam, Dr Diptika Tiwari, Ms. Baby Sharma, DrThejas Kathrikolly, Dr Malhar Ganla, Dr Banshi Saboo
This retrospective analysis included 1,453 non-obese patients (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m², aged >18 years) who participated in FFD’s 1-year online subscription-based ILI program between June 2020 and October 2023. The program combined a plant-based diet, structured physical activity, psychological support, and medical management. Each patient was supported by a team of six experts—a physician, dietician, physiotherapist, psychologist, mentor, and monitor—and engaged in both group sessions and one-on-one consultations.
Medical management included daily glucose monitoring, quarterly physician consultations, and supplementation for nutritional deficiencies. Remission was defined as maintaining HbA1C < 6.5% for at least three months without glucose-lowering medications.
According to Dr. Tripathi, despite the high prevalence of T2D among non-obese Indians, very few studies have examined the role of comprehensive lifestyle interventions in this group. “This study helps fill that gap by demonstrating the impact of a structured, multidisciplinary program on achieving remission in nonobese patients with Type 2 Diabetes,” he said.
Although obesity is often seen as the main cause of type 2 diabetes (T2D), research shows that a large number of patients in Asia—nearly 60% to 80%—are actually not obese. These individuals may look thin but often have high levels of fat around the abdomen, which raises their risk of heart disease.
Until now, very few studies have looked at whether diabetes remission is possible in such non-obese patients. This study shows that it is: about 1 in 4 non-obese patients achieved remission mainly by losing at least 5% of their body weight. This proves that even modest weight loss—much less than what is usually recommended for obese patients—can play a powerful role in helping non-obese individuals put their diabetes into remission.
The results highlight that structured lifestyle changes—integrating nutrition, exercise, psychology, and medical care—can play a transformative role in diabetes management, even among non-obese individuals.
