The Diabetes Remission Index (DRI)

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate two predictive models, the Diabetes Remission Index (DRI) and the Weight Loss-Adjusted Diabetes Remission Index (W-DRI), for assessing type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Metabolic and bariatric surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), is highly effective in achieving T2D remission, but outcomes vary across populations. Predicting remission remains critical for individualized patient care and optimizing surgical outcomes. Existing tools focus on general outcomes, and a specific model incorporating weight loss data has been lacking. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients with T2D and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) who underwent RYGB or SG between 2008 and 2018. Institution 1 (I-1) data (n=503) was used to develop and internally validate the models, while Institution 2 (I-2) data (n=409) was used for external validation. The DRI model incorporated preoperative variables, and the W-DRI model additionally included post-surgical weight loss. Predictive accuracy was assessed using AUC, calibration plots, and stratified analyses. RESULTS: In I-1, 44.7% of patients achieved T2D remission, with a DRI model AUC of 0.80. In I-2, 52.6% achieved remission, with a model AUC of 0.78. Incorporating weight loss improved W-DRI predictive accuracy (AUC: 0.82 in I-1, 0.79 in I-2). Calibration plots demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed remission rates. An online DRI and W-DRI calculator is available via the Mayo Clinic webpage: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/dri-calculator/ . CONCLUSIONS: The DRI and W-DRI models accurately predict T2D remission post-MBS, enabling personalized patient care and informed decision-making. Further validation across diverse populations is warranted.