Volume 24, Number 4 - December 2021

Type 2 Diabetes Remission Position Statement

By
Rachel Freeman

BHSc (Nut & Diet), MSc (Diabetes), APD, CDE

Professional Services Manager, ADEA

After attaining a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) at the University of Newcastle in 2002, Rachel spent 3 years working in Inpatient/Outpatient Service roles within various locations in New South Wales and Victoria within the public health system. This work experience provided Rachel with clear insight into the needs of patients with diabetes and a desire to develop a meaningful career in this field.

In 2007, Rachel obtained a Graduate Certificate (Diabetes Education), as well as establishing a private dietetics and diabetes education consultation practice in Perth of which she was the Director until 2011.

From 2011-2013 Rachel continued clinical work as a Diabetes Dietitian and Diabetes Educator for NSW Health. During this time, Rachel was also involved in national policy reviews and national guideline development for various projects relating to people with diabetes.

In 2015 Rachel completed a Master of Science (Diabetes) with a project to evaluate the ADEA mentoring program.

As Professional Services Manager at ADEA, Rachel responds to all enquiries from members, health care professionals and the general public regarding professional matters. Her role includes liaising with stakeholders on various projects and programs to continually support ADEA members and to improve the health care of people with diabetes. Contact Rachel at po@adea.com.au

Introduction

A joint position statement has been published from a collaboration of ADEA, ADS and Diabetes Australia.

Type 2 diabetes remission (Oct 2021) provides up-to-date, practical advice and information to people with diabetes and the community about possible remission of type 2 diabetes. It is not intended to be a scientific or fully detailed report for health professionals.

The position statement recommends that people with type 2 diabetes who want to attempt diabetes remission need to do so in close consultation with their diabetes healthcare team, as intensive dietary and weight changes need careful management, monitoring and support.

Most importantly, people who do not achieve or sustain remission should not feel that they have ‘failed’. The health benefits of weight loss and a reduction in HbA1c are significant even if remission does not occur, as these reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications and may lead to reducing or stopping glucose-lowering medications.

New articles that also may be of interest have been published:

Recently, webinars in a ‘Nutrition Series’ have also been added to the ADEA Learning Management system, including a presentation by Dr Alan Barclay on Type 2 Diabetes Remission. Check these webinars at ADEA LMS.

Other Articles in this Edition