Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?

International scientists have found in a study that it is possible to reverse diabetes in Type 2 diabetic patients. The study has been published in renowned journal Diabetologia.Endocrinologist at Yashoda hospital Dr Prasun Deb explains, “Beta cells are present in pancreas and they secrete insulin which has a key role in utilising glucose.Abnormal beta cell function deprives people of adequate insulin quantity required to absorb glucose as a result of which glucose quantity rises and sustains leading to Type 2 diabetes. Also insulin suppress glucose output from liver and in lack of insulin’ glucose output from liver is not inhibited leading to excess glucose in blood. ” “Abnormal beta cell dysfunction could be because of accumulation of fat on beta cells. Till now it was believed that beta cell dysfunction is irreversible and therefore diabetes can only be controlled. The finding brings new hope that by limiting the intake of calories, the silent killer lifestyle disorder can be reversed,” he adds.Dr Rakesh Sahay , endocrinologist at MediCity hospitals says, “Though more research is needed to see if the reversal is permanent but people should understand through this finding that high calorie diet and lack of exercise is disastrous to health. The patients in the study were on special diet purposely to test some hypothesis and it is strictly advised to all patients not to take such diet without medical supervision.”