New research claims Type 2 diabetes CAN be reversed by a low calorie diet

Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by simply going on a low calorie diet, according to new research.

Researchers at Newcastle University found that consuming just 600 calories a day for eight weeks can reverse the condition caused by excess fat in the liver and pancreas.

More than 3.5 million people in Britain have Type 2 diabetes – up more than 70% in just a decade.

The new study shows that excess calories lead to a fatty liver, which causes the liver to produce too much glucose.

The excess fat is then passed on to the pancreas, which causes the insulin-producing cells to fail and thus causing diabetes.

Researchers found that losing less than one gram of fat from the pancreas can re-start insulin production, reversing type 2 diabetes.

This reversal of diabetes remains possible for at least ten years after the onset of the condition.

Study leader author Professor Roy Taylor, who has spent almost four decades studying the condition, said: “I think the real importance of this work is for the patients themselves.

“Many have described to me how embarking on the low calorie diet has been the only option to prevent what they thought – or had been told – was an inevitable decline into further medication and further ill health because of their diabetes.

“By studying the underlying mechanisms we have been able to demonstrate the simplicity of type 2 diabetes.”

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The body of research also confirmed Professor Taylor’s Twin Cycle Hypothesis – that Type 2 diabetes is caused by excess fat within both the liver and pancreas.

His previous study Counterpoint confirmed that a very low calorie diet can reverse the condition within just eight weeks.

Another piece of work, Counterbalance, published in 2016, revealed that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed for up to ten years and that normal metabolism persists long term, as long as the person doesn’t regain the weight.

Professor Taylor added: “The good news for people with Type 2 diabetes is that our work shows that even if you have had the condition for 10 years, you are likely to be able to reverse it by moving that all important tiny amount of fat out of the pancreas.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Diabetes UK Director of Research, said that more tests were needed.

She said: “Evidence is building to suggest that Type 2 diabetes can be put into remission – a step forward that could be transformative for millions of people.

“But we don’t yet have all of the answers we need, such as whether remission is achievable for everyone, or for the long-term, or how best to monitor those who do achieve remission.

“Diabetes UK is funding the large-scale DiRECT trial to help answer some of these questions, and we look forward to seeing the results.”