Diabetes No More: lessons from the DiRECT trial and beyond - Professor Mike Lean

On Tuesday 20 February 2023 Professor Mike Lean of the University of Glasgow presented a seminar on:

Diabetes No More: lessons from the DiRECT trial and beyond

About this talk
Three RCT trials, conducted entirely in primary care using low-calorie formula diets for 8-12 weeks, have reported remissions for 40-60% of participants including South Asians, and 70-80% with weight loss of more than 10kg, well maintained at 2 years. Hypertension and NAFLD, commonly accompanying T2D, normalized for 30%. Remission was accompanied by normalization of ectopic fat in liver and pancreas, and insulin production capacity. With fewer serious adverse events, total medical care costs fell and cost-effectiveness analysis projected people to live longer, feel better and cost less. Remissions are strongly driven by weight loss, but new methods are needed to support longer maintenance.

About Professor Lean
Visiting professor at University of Otago, and University of Sydney.
Established the first Department of Human Nutrition in a Scottish Medical School, 1990- initially funded 10 years by Rank Prize Funds. ‘Broad-focus’ strategy: translational, integrative, research and teaching, across all scientific disciplines within Human Nutrition. Main focusses are on obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and health promotion. Awards include Diabetes UK-Rank Prize Lecture, Banting Memorial Lecture, Tenovus Medal for Research. Elected FRSE, National Academy of Scotland.