Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The REmission of Diabetes Using a PlAnt-based Weight Loss InteRvention (REPAIR) Trial

The REPAIR study is investigating whether changing your lifestyle to include a plant-based diet and an exercise program can help put type 2 diabetes into remission and lead to at least 15% weight loss. Researchers want to see how well this intensive plant-based lifestyle approach works compared to the usual care for diabetes. They will look at things like blood sugar levels, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Patients will be split into two groups: one receiving standard care and another following a strict plant-based diet plan and exercise program. The study aims to find out if this diet and exercise combination can be an effective way to manage and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Toronto

Enrolment target

160

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2029

Diabetes Mellitus

What is this study about?

This study, called the REPAIR Trial, is looking into how a healthy diet and exercise plan, specifically one that focuses on plant-based foods, might help people with type 2 diabetes. The main goal is to see if this type of lifestyle change can lead to diabetes remission, which means your blood sugar levels are normal for at least three months without needing medication for diabetes. They also want to see if people can lose a significant amount of weight – at least 15% of their starting body weight.

Researchers will compare this new plant-based approach with the care people usually receive for their diabetes. They'll be carefully tracking many health markers beyond just diabetes remission and weight loss, including changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. This will help them understand the full impact of this lifestyle change on overall health.

Ultimately, this study hopes to provide valuable information about effective ways to manage and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes using diet and exercise. It's about finding out if eating more plant-based foods and staying active can make a big difference for people living with this condition.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a plant-based diet and exercise for type 2 diabetes.
It aims to see if diabetes can go into remission and if significant weight loss is possible.
Compares the plant-based approach to standard diabetes care.
Participation lasts 12 months with regular check-ups and data collection.
Could offer new insights into managing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last six years. You should be taking diabetes medication that isn't insulin and have a specific blood sugar level range (HbA1c between 6.0% and 10.0%). You also need to be considered overweight or obese based on certain measures.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have type 1 diabetes, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have recently lost a lot of weight, or are already taking insulin or certain other weight-loss medications. People with severe kidney or heart problems, an eating disorder, or those who have had major surgery or a heart event recently also wouldn't be eligible.

The study also can't include you if you have certain allergies (to soy, peanuts, tree nuts, or seeds), are undergoing cancer treatment, or if your family doctor doesn't agree to your participation. It's important to be able to stick to the study's requirements, so any condition that would make that difficult would also mean you can't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Were you diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years?
Are you currently taking diabetes medication, but not insulin?
Do you have an HbA1c (blood sugar level) between 6.0% and 10.0%?
Are you considered overweight or obese?
Do you have a family doctor who would agree to your participation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. The first group will continue with their usual diabetes care, attending five clinic visits over 12 months. At these visits, study staff will take measurements like your weight and blood pressure, and you'll provide blood samples. You'll also be asked to keep track of your food and exercise and fill out some questionnaires.

The second group will follow an intensive plant-based diet and exercise program. This involves a low-calorie plant-based diet for the first three months, followed by a balanced plant-based diet for the remaining nine months. You'll also take part in a 16-week exercise program. This group will have more frequent clinic visits – every 2-4 weeks over the 12 months. Like the other group, you'll have measurements taken, provide blood samples, and track your food and exercise while completing questionnaires. The total duration of participation for everyone is 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study, especially for those in the plant-based lifestyle group, is the chance to improve your diabetes management, potentially achieve remission, lose weight, and improve other health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol. Risks might include the challenges of changing your diet and exercise habits, potential side effects from dietary changes, or the inconvenience of frequent clinic visits and tasks like tracking food. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Unity Health Toronto (St. Michael's Hospital)
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is 'diabetes remission'?

Diabetes remission means your blood sugar levels are normal for at least three months without needing diabetes medication.

What kind of diet is 'plant-based'?

A plant-based diet focuses on foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts, with limited or no animal products.

Will I have to stop my current diabetes medication if I join?

No, if you're in the standard care group, you'll continue your usual medication. If you're in the plant-based group, your doctors will monitor your medication as your health changes.

How long will the study last?

The study will last for 12 months for all participants.

Is the study just for weight loss?

While weight loss is a goal, the main focus is also to see if a plant-based lifestyle can lead to diabetes remission and improve overall health.

How to find out more

Research Study Coordinator

repairtrial@unityhealth.to 416-867-7474 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.