Implementation of a Very Low Calorie Diet for Remission of Type 2 Diabetes in the Community

The complications associated with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are numerous; reducing the quality of life for the patient and consuming a considerable portion of healthcare finances. The Health of the Nation (HotN) 2011 study reported that 50% of the Barbadian population \>65years old had a diagnosis of T2DM and that two-thirds of the population were overweight - which is a risk factor for the development of T2DM. Encouraged by the success of the Counterpoint study in the United Kingdom (UK), the Barbados Diabetes Reversal Study 1 (BDRS1) was established using a similar protocol; the aim of which was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a very low calorie diet to reverse T2DM in Barbados. At the end of the 8-week intervention period, the 25 participants had achieved an average weight loss of 10.1kg (22lbs). This was accompanied by an increase in the number of participants whose fasting blood sugars were now within normal range despite being off of their diabetes medication; and a decrease in the number of participants taking blood pressure medication. Participants transitioned to a solid diet over a 4-week period, with guidance on health dietary habits and regular exercise routines. The benefits accrued during the intervention phase were preserved at the end of the transition period. We now propose the Barbados Diabetes Remission Study 2 (BDRS2) as a sustainable community intervention - utilizing the local church as the community site. We hypothesize that this will enhance reach while reducing the cost of the study and will also facilitate the structures necessary for the social support of the participant.