People with Type 2 diabetes could reverse their condition by following an extremely low-calorie diet for just two months, according to new research. The expert behind the study said the “remarkable” findings showed an eight-week diet of just 600 calories day could prompt the body to produce its own insulin.But nutritionists warned the public not to try this at home based on such early resultsADVERTISEMENT.Researchers found the diet reduced fat accumulated in the pancreas, which in turn prompted insulin cells to “wake up”.The findings are consistent with the belief that a lack of insulin secretion – which is vital for blood sugar control – is due to accumulation of fat in the liver and pancreas.Professor Roy Taylor, of Newcastle University, who led the study, said: “We have been able to put diabetes into reverse by a very low calorie diet over a short period of time.”This is a radical change in understanding Type 2 diabetes. 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.”Gordon Parmley, 67, from Stocksfield, Northumberland, who took part in the trial, said: “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.”But nutritionists cautioned against Scots rushing to try out crash diets. Fife-based registered nutritionist Dr Carina Norris said: “While this is an exciting breakthrough, we need to remember that this isn’t a recommendation for people to undertake crash diets in an attempt to manage their diabetes, or reduce their diabetes risk. “To meet all your nutrient targets on just 600 calories a day would be incredibly difficult without using specially concocted food replacements like those used in the study.”The participants in the research were under strict medical supervision – this is very much a case of ‘don’t try this at home’.”The research was published in the journal Diabetologia and funded by Diabetes UK.

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