A new study in the UK has found that a strict diet can successfully ‘reverse’ Type 2 diabetes.
The study of about 300 people in Scotland and Tyneside with Type 2 diabetes saw participants stick to a strict diet of around 800 calories for up to five months, with the support of a nurse or dietitian to maintain the weight.
The first-year results showed that 46 per cent of participants had reversed Type 2 diabetes, while 24 months later, more than 36 per cent of people were still in remission.
Significant weight loss is linked to sustaining remission of the condition, with 64 per cent of participants that lost more than 10 kilograms throughout the program still in remission two years later. The average weight loss of those participants still in remission after the second year is 15.5 kilograms.
“These results are a significant development, and finally pull down the curtain on the era of Type 2 diabetes as an inevitably progressive disease.” said Professor Roy Taylor, from Newcastle University.
“We now understand the biological nature of this reversible condition. However, everyone in remission needs to know that evidence to date tells us that your Type 2 diabetes will return if you regain weight.” he said.
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