Bangkok Post – Take Charge of Diabetes: Choose Good Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle to Achieve Remission

Dr Arunee Laiteerapong, Abbott’s Nutrition Medical Director in Thailand, emphasised that while genetic and other factors contribute to diabetes, lifestyle choices are a major determinant of the disease’s development and progression.

She explained, “Thailand and other countries across Asia are undergoing rapid urbanisation, which is associated with physical inactivity and poor diet. As a result, three out of four Asians living with diabetes are at increased risk of poor glycemic control. That’s why early nutritional intervention is critical.”

Aspiring for diabetes remission

These numbers point to an urgent need for proactive, practical strategies that emphasise self-care, education, and long-term support. To address this on a national scale, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health released the Diabetes Remission Guidelines in 2022, which involves achieving blood glucose levels below diagnostic thresholds for at least three months without medication. The guidelines boldly state that intensive behaviour modification is key to achieving diabetes remission, with an emphasis on tailored nutrition plans and physical activity to manage and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.

According to the Diabetes Association of Thailand, remission is defined by achieving and maintaining blood glucose levels (HbA1c) below 6.5% (or 48 mmol/mol) for at least three months without diabetes specific medications. “While remission is a positive outcome, it’s important to understand that it is not a cure. The underlying issues that contribute to diabetes such as insulin resistance and genetic factors remain, requiring ongoing monitoring and lifestyle management to maintain remission,” cautions Dr Arunee.

Nutrition as an underutilised tool

The success of any lifestyle intervention relies heavily on maximum adherence to the regimen, which means their feasibility and sustainability over time in real-world situations may be challenging.

The results from a clinical study5 reveal that individualised nutrition plans that incorporate diabetes-specific formula as part of daily meals can be an effective tool in managing diabetes. The study involved 235 overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes who incorporated diabetes-specific formula as a partial or total meal replacement alongside motivational counselling and trans-cultural diabetes specific nutrition algorithm (tDNA). After 180-days, the participants recorded:

• Significant reductions in blood glucose levels (HbA1c) at 1.1%
• Significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose
• Significant weight loss at 8.3% or 6.9 kg
• Significant blood pressure decrease

The study noted that integrating diabetes-specific formula as a partial or total meal replacement into daily routines may present a more practical approach for individuals seeking sustainable and practical strategies, particularly those who are overweight or obese and with diabetes.

Dr Arunee added, “By incorporating diabetes-specific formula as a meal replacement, individuals can include other nutritious foods in their diet, potentially boosting compliance with their dietary regimen.” 

Healthy habits at the workplace

Managing diabetes requires conscious efforts to live with healthy habits. In line with World Diabetes Day’s 2025 focus on diabetes in the workplace, here are some useful tips to cultivate healthy habits at work: 

Think ahead and plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and even your snacks around busy work schedules. Meal planning with diabetes is about making choices, balancing carbohydrates with protein and fat and selecting foods that support your health and life goals. Consider incorporating diabetes-specific formulas, such as Glucerna, which provides complete and balanced nutrients with fibre that helps blood sugar control, as partial or total meal replacements. Incorporating nutritional supplement into diet plans can support better calorie management for people with diabetes who are overweight or obese, while also helping to ensure adequate nutrient intake for those who are underweight.

• Choose healthier carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients in many foods and have a direct impact on blood sugar levels. Learn about foods’ glycemic index (GI), a value that indicates how slowly or quickly a food can increase blood sugar levels. Examples of low GI foods include barley, oatmeal, quinoa, many fruits, and most nuts, legumes and beans.

Snacking between meetings is a common workplace habit that can unintentionally add up to a meal’s worth of calories – often with excess sugars added. When choosing snacks, select nutritious options like unsalted nuts, fruits or vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre to help keep you healthy. Portion control is also important, as even healthy snacks can raise blood sugar if eaten in excess.

Physically activity helps lower blood sugar by encouraging cells to use more glucose for energy and helps the body use insulin more efficiently. For people living with diabetes, the recommended minimum is 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercises per week – activities like brisk walking, jogging or swimming. In a busy work environment, small changes can make a big difference: take the stairs instead of the lift, walk during phone calls, or team up with colleagues for after-work activities like badminton or yoga. Staying hydrated before, during and after any physical activity is also essential as dehydration can lead to blood sugar spikes.

“Nutrition is highly individualised for people living with diabetes, and workplace habits play a crucial role in shaping daily health outcomes. Early intervention through lifestyle and dietary changes is essential not only for optimal management of this chronic condition, but also for the potential to achieve remission in type 2 diabetes. From making healthier food choices daily to staying active throughout the workday, small, consistent changes can deliver positive results. To ensure these changes are effective and sustainable, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to develop a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan that fits your daily routine and work environment,” advised Dr Arunee. 

In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, Abbott advocates for greater awareness around diabetes management, empowering individuals to take control of their health and lead fuller, healthier lives.

For guidance on living well with diabetes, visit https://www.family.abbott/th-th/glucerna.html

Notes: * To be used as part of a balanced diet covering all five food groups, along with regular exercise and adequate rest. This medical nutrition product should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.