UM researcher launches study focused on new medication.
Diabetes and related conditions like chronic kidney disease affect 30% of Manitobans, disproportionately more than any other Canadian province.
That’s why UM researcher Dr. Dylan MacKay is leading a new national project funded by Diabetes Canada investigating the potential for remission of type-2 diabetes using the new weight loss drug, tirzepatide.
Type 2 diabetes remission can happen when blood sugars return to normal levels without the use of diabetes medications, but remission may only be achievable for some people.
Weight loss is a key factor associated with remission and new medications like tirzepatide are powerful tools for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. But once patients begin taking these medications do they need to take them forever?
“For some people with type-2 diabetes, the need for a medication like tirzepatide could be temporary, meaning they might be able to stop the medication and achieve remission,” says Dr. Dylan MacKay, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. “I believe many people would be interested in knowing if they can manage their diabetes without the need for lifelong medication.”
MacKay’s research group is also working in partnership with the Wellness Institute at Seven Oaks Hospital medically managed fitness facility to establish a program to support people during their remission journey.
Dylan MacKay is a nationally recognized expert, previously having co-led authorship of the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines chapter on Type 2 Diabetes Remission. Which included co-authors with lived-experience of type 2 diabetes remission.
“We have a number of people with lived experience of type 2 diabetes who worked on the development of this study, and who have helped us shape the questions we’re asking,” says MacKay, who himself lives with type 1 diabetes and specializes in research that is informed by lived and living experience.
The possibility for remission of type 2 diabetes is possible for some. This possibility depends on many factors, some of which are not fully understood.
“This new class of medications could allow more people to achieve weight loss levels associated with remission, but we don’t yet know if that’s sustainable when medication is stopped,” says MacKay. “We definitely need programs that can support and maintain remission, if it is achieved. We may also find that in some cases, that lower doses are required to maintain health improvements.”
For thousands of Manitobans with type 2 diabetes, the possibility of remission could have lifechanging impact. Reducing the requirements for lifelong medications could also significantly reduce healthcare costs for everyone.
“Congratulations to Dr. MacKay and his team on achieving this exclusive national funding,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International).
“In combining medical and nutritional sciences, Dr. MacKay exemplifies the UM strategic research priority for exploring the interconnectedness between health and well-being, while addressing important questions for average Canadians and millions with Diabetes around the world.”
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
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