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Can diet alone reverse Type 2 diabetes?

Research funded by Diabetes UK and carried out by a team from Newcastle University has discovered that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by an extremely low-calorie diet alone.


‘Remarkable’ results



Liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetable diet

Under close supervision of a medical team, the participants’ diet consisted of liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetables. They were matched to a control group of people without diabetes and then monitored over eight weeks. Insulin production from their pancreas and fat content in the liver and pancreas was studied.

Pancreas regained ability to make insulin

After just one week, the Newcastle University team found that their pre-breakfast blood glucose levels had returned to normal.

A special MRI scan of their pancreas revealed that the fat levels in the pancreas had returned from an elevated level (8%) to a normal (6%) level. In step with this, the pancreas regained the normal ability to make insulin and as a result, blood glucose after meals steadily improved.


Diet should only be undertaken under medical supervision



Diabetes UK is keen to stress this study involved an extreme diet conducted under close medical supervision. We strongly recommend people do not attempt to lose weight in this way. People with diabetes who want to lose weight should consult their healthcare team before undertaking any eating plan and read our information on how safe dieting can help manage diabetes.
