Remission of Type 2 Diabetes from a Reduced Carbohydrate Dietwith Digital Behavior Change Support: 15-month Case Study

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes is a global burden affecting over 400 million people across the world. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is growing, driven by a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits. In community settings, less than 1 in 1,000 people achieves type 2 diabetes remission. In the UK, adults eat 300% the recommended intake of added sugar in the diet. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are treated with diet and exercise before progressing to medications including metformin and insulin. Studies have highlighted the therapeutic benefits of carbohydrate restriction on health conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and epilepsy. The goal of this study is to assess the effects of a behavioral change intervention on primary markers of HbA1c and weight. This paper presents the case of a 72-year-old adult living in England diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2015 and referred to a digital behaviour change app (Low Carb Program) in 2018. The results of this study suggest lifestyle and behavior changes can be maintained with the assistance of a digital health app. This case study may lay groundwork for future research on technological and lifestyle approaches to manage type 2 diabetes.