Type 2 diabetes ‘can be reversed’ by low calorie diet
People with Type 2 diabetes could reverse their condition by following a very low calorie diet, according to research. The findings have been described as “exciting” by the lead scientist.
Just 600 calories a day as part of a special diet could be enough to reverse Type 2 diabetes in some patients.
The condition affects almost 2.5 million people in the UK.
Researchers at Newcastle University found a dramatic drop in calories had a direct effect on reducing fat accumulated in the pancreas, which in turn prompted insulin cells to “wake up”.
Eleven people with Type 2 diabetes followed a diet of liquid drinks and non-starchy vegetables for two months.
After three months, when the group returned to a normal, healthy diet seven people stayed free of Type 2 diabetes.
Professor Roy Taylor of Newcastle University, who led the study, hopes the research will be translated into future treatments: “This is a radical change in understanding Type 2 diabetes.
“We have been able to put diabetes into reverse by a very low calorie diet over a short period of time.
“What is really important and very new is the changes in the body that go along with this.
He added: “It is quite possible that we may be able to devise medicines that block the effect of fat at the level of the pancreas, and could allow normal function.
“So, we are at quite an exciting point in terms of looking forward to really making an impact upon Type 2 diabetes.”
‘Very, very difficult’
Gordon Parmley, 67, from Stocksfield in Northumberland, took part in the trial.
He said: “When my doctor mentioned the trial I thought I would give it a go as it might help me and other diabetics.
“I came off my tablets and had three diet shakes a day and some salad or vegetables but it was very, very difficult and I’m not sure I’d have done it without the support of my wife, who went on a diet alongside me.
“At first the hunger was quite severe and I had to distract myself with something else – walking the dog, playing golf – or doing anything to occupy myself and take my mind off food but I lost an astounding amount of weight in a short space of time.
“At the end of the trial, I was told my insulin levels were normal and after six years, I no longer needed my diabetes tablets.
“Still today, 18 months on, I don’t take them.
“It’s astonishing really that a diet, hard as it was, could change my health so drastically. After six years of having diabetes I can tell the difference.”
‘Not and easy fix’
The research was published in the journal Diabetologia and funded by Diabetes UK.
Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “We welcome the results of this research because it shows that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed, on a par with successful surgery without the side effects.
“However, this diet is not an easy fix and Diabetes UK strongly recommends that such a drastic diet should only be undertaken under medical supervision.
“Despite being a very small trial, we look forward to future results, particularly to see whether the reversal would remain in the long term.”
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