Two-year outcome of a combination of weight loss therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Author: Redmon JB, Reck KP, Raatz SK, Swanson JE, Kwong CA, Ji H, Thomas W, Bantle JP

Author affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, MMC 101, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. redmo001@umn.edu

Publication date & source: 2005.06, Diabetes Care., 28(6):1311-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study ; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects over 2 years of a weight loss program combining several weight loss strategies on weight loss and diabetes control in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 59 overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either a combination therapy weight loss program for 2 years (C therapy) or a standard therapy weight loss program for 1 year followed by a combination therapy weight loss program in the 2nd year (S/C therapy). C therapy combined the use of meal replacement products, repetitive intermittent low-calorie-diet weeks, and pharmacologic therapy with sibutramine. Outcome measures included changes in weight, glycemic control, plasma lipids, blood pressure, and body composition over 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 48 participants (23 in the C therapy group and 25 in the S/C therapy group) completed 2 years of study. After 2 years, the C therapy group had weight loss of 4.6 +/- 1.2 kg (P < 0.001) and a decrease in HbA(1c) of 0.5 +/- 0.3% (P = 0.08) from baseline. At 2 years, the C therapy group had significant reductions in BMI, fat mass, lean body mass, and systolic blood pressure. The S/C therapy group showed changes in weight and HbA(1c) in year 2 of the study that were similar to those demonstrated by the C therapy group in year 1. CONCLUSIONS: This combination weight loss program resulted in significant weight loss and improved diabetes control over a 2-year period in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes.