In a nutshell
This study aimed to examine the impact of dietary changes on body weight in patients taking insulin detemir (Levemir).
Some background
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term, progressive disease caused due to resistance to insulin. A widely used treatment option is the administration of insulin. Insulin detemir is a long-acting insulin that has to be taken just once a day. Long-acting insulin is released slowly over a period of 8 to 24 hours, and supplies stable background levels of insulin needed during the day (referred to as basal insulin). However, weight gain is common when insulin is initiated, which is counter-productive in the treatment of diabetes.
Methods & findings
The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of modest dietary intervention in addition to lifestyle advice in patients with type 2 diabetes undertaking insulin treatment. This study evaluated a total of 611 patients, randomly assigned to one of two groups, over 26 weeks. Both groups received once-daily insulin detemir, and received basic lifestyle advice involving healthy eating and regular physical advice. One group, however, also received meal plans with the aim to reduce 15% of their daily calorie intake. Over the course of the study, 123 patients in total discontinued the trial.
The study compared body weight at the beginning of the study and at the end. The study also evaluated HbA1c levels (a measurement of average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months) and fasting blood glucose.
The study found that there was minimal difference between the two groups in weight loss. The HbA1c levels and fasting blood glucose were comparably improved in both groups and showed no significant difference.
The bottom line
This study found that in patients taking insulin detemir, modest dietary changes did not impact weight changes in any significant way.
The fine print
The calorie intake and exercise was self-reported, and patients may not have reported accurately.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Oct 11, 2013
