Review of Lifestyle Interventions in Diabetes Remission

Mwende Muthoni D.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder traditionally regarded as progressive; however, growing evidence demonstrates that sustained remission is achievable through lifestyle interventions. Lifestyle-induced remission offers a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and long-term healthcare burden. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on lifestyle interventions associated with T2D remission, focusing on dietary modification, physical activity, behavioural and psychosocial determinants, and modes of intervention delivery. The review examines conceptual frameworks and definitions of remission, durable remission, relapse, and maintenance, alongside the biological and behavioural mechanisms underlying glycaemic normalization. Evidence from calorie restriction and weight-loss strategies, low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, and Mediterranean and plant-forward dietary patterns is evaluated, highlighting variability in remission rates and durability across interventions and populations. The role of physical activity including aerobic, resistance, and combined training is explored, with emphasis on metabolic improvements independent of weight loss and the importance of long-term adherence. Behavioural strategies such as motivational interviewing, self-management education, and structured support are identified as critical enablers of engagement, adherence, and remission maintenance. The review also addresses heterogeneity in patient response, safety and tolerability concerns, and challenges related to implementation and real-world applicability. Overall, lifestyle-induced remission of T2D is attainable, particularly when interventions are intensive, initiated early, and supported by behavioural and psychosocial frameworks. Future research should prioritize standardized remission definitions, long-term outcome evaluation, and scalable intervention models to support sustained remission in diverse populations.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes remission, Lifestyle interventions, Dietary modification, Physical activity and Behavioural support.

CITE AS: Mwende Muthoni D. (2026). Review of Lifestyle Interventions in Diabetes Remission. IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 11(1):25-32. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJSR/2026/11.1.2532