The strategies to support lifestyle modifications for achieving diabetes remission

Abstract

Diabetes, one of the most prevalent health problems with increasing mortality rates worldwide, particularly in middle- to high-income countries. In Thailand, in 2020, the prevalence of diabetes was 9.5%, with 300,000 new cases annually. Complications from diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and chronic wounds, impact patients’ health and quality of life. Furthermore, it imposes a significant economic burden due to high treatment and complication management costs. In Thailand, the current process of promoting lifestyle changes still lacks integration of the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine in a concrete manner, affecting the rate of diabetes remission. Unhealthy lifestyle and improper diet are the primary causes of type 2 diabetes. It has been found that behavioral changes, such as dietary control, exercise, and weight loss, can lead to diabetes remission, a condition where patients can maintain normal blood sugar levels for at least 3-6 months without medication. Lifestyle Medicine is a recognized discipline that effectively promotes behavior change to control diabetes remission. Integrating Lifestyle Medicine with the care provided by medical teams and other specialists helps patients achieve sustained diabetes remission, reducing economic burdens and long-term health impacts. This article was developed from a review of 26 medical literatures and reports from a meeting to create visions and development plans for the management and support system for Lifestyle Medicine services. Twenty experts in Lifestyle Medicine and primary care for diabetic patients were involved using the Delphi technique to propose strategies supporting lifestyle changes for diabetes remission. These strategies include developing Lifestyle Medicine facilities for behavior modification, developing Lifestyle Medicine personnel, advancing research, innovation, and technology, and creating ecosystems that promote healthy lifestyles and support diabetes remission