The HSE should consider funding GPs to offer a new weight management treatment programme, which could help some people with type 2 diabetes to go into remission.

Scientists in the UK have been working on the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, better known as DiRECT, and the first year results have proven very promising. These were highligted at a major diabetes conference in the UK this month.

According to the findings, it is possible for some people with type 2 diabetes to go into remission using a low-calorie, diet-based management programme that is delivered by their GP.

Of those who took part in the trial, almost half (45%) were in remission after one year.

The study found a strong link between remission and total weight loss, with 86% of those who lost more than 15kg (33lbs) in remission after one year. Some 57% of those who lost 10-15kg (22-33lbs), and 34% of those who lost 5-10kg (11-22lbs), were also in remission one year later.

In a control group, where people did not try a weight management approach but had the best diabetes care available, just 4% went into remission.

Remission refers to when blood glucose levels are within a normal range again. However, this does not mean that a person's diabetes has been reversed. It is still essential that people get regular health check-ups, so that any signs of type 2 diabetes coming back can be caught early.

Commenting on this, the national charity, Diabetes Ireland, said that it is important that people in remission do not think that their condition has gone for good.

"There is a danger individuals who may already have blood vessel damage from diabetes will ignore that and allow its progression if they perceive that they no longer have diabetes," the charity noted.

In the DiRECT study, remission is defined as blood glucose levels below 6.5% after 12 months, and at least two months without any diabetes medications.

However, according to one of the lead researchers, Prof Roy Taylor of Newcastle University, continued remission is dependent on people ‘in the long-term keeping their weight down'.

Diabetes Ireland has given a cautious welcome to the results.

"It is important to stress that while the DiRECT trial has shown extremely positive results that will help people with type 2 diabetes into remission - that is where the blood glucose levels are back within normal range - the longer term results and maintenance remain to be seen," the charity said.

However, it noted that its UK counterpart, Diabetes UK, has committed extra funding to this project to see whether it is possible to deliver this type of treatment through the public health service.

"In light of this, we would urge the HSE to consider investing into planning a similar intervention to fund and resource GP care teams to deliver such a programme, and improve the quality of life for thousands of Irish people with type 2 diabetes," the charity said.

For more information on DiRECT, click here