Weight Loss Can Lead To Reversal Of Type 2 Diabetes: Study

It is possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes, say experts at a Newcastle University, England. People with a chronic diabetic condition need to lose weight in order to reverse their diabetes totally.

The lead investigator Roy Taylor, professor of medicine and metabolism at the university, looked at the link between healthy eating and diabetes in 30 Type 2 participants. They were required to eat just 600 to 700 calories per day for eight weeks. Hence, they lost an average of nearly 31 pounds, and could manage the weight balance for at least six months.

About 12 participants who had diabetes could reverse their condition for about a decade and remain free of the illness for six months. These participants did not contract diabetes for six months.

"What we have shown is that it is possible to reverse your diabetes, even if you have had the condition for a long time, up to around 10 years. If you have had the diagnosis for longer than that, then don't give up hope - a major improvement in blood sugar control is possible," Taylor said. "The study also answered the question that people often ask me - if I lose the weight and keep the weight off, will I stay free of diabetes? The simple answer is yes!"

Taylor added, "The bottom line is that if a person really wants to get rid of their Type 2 diabetes, they can lose weight, keep it off and return to normal. This is good news for people who are very motivated to get rid of their diabetes. But it is too early to regard this as suitable for everyone. That is a separate question and a major study is underway to answer this."

Based on the findings of the most recent study, which was published in Diabetes Care, another trial is being conducted, involving 280 patients to examine whether or not diabetes can be reversed through weight loss.