question relating to the recent research re: cure/reversal of diabetes in Type 2

[Carina1962]

Can someone explain please - this recent research on reversing Type 2 diabetes, were these people who were involved in the trial given a GTT to give them the 'all clear' from diabetes? If this was the case and they became a 'non-diabetic' does that mean that if they went on a eating/drinking binge their levels would return quickly to normal levels?

 

[Andrew]

I have been told that diabetes is a slipery slope

I have been told that diabetes is a slipery slope - there is no real going back just stabilisation- i did read the artical on the group who were put on a controlled diet of 600 cal a day. has any one else looked at 600 cal to see what it looks like?

Can someone explain please - this recent research on reversing Type 2 diabetes, were these people who were involved in the trial given a GTT to give them the 'all clear' from diabetes? If this was the case and they became a 'non-diabetic' does that mean that if they went on a eating/drinking binge their levels would return quickly to normal levels?

 

[Andrew]

Introduction extra

Looking at other mail I left off my original blood sugar level - the dr got very excited and told me that I was lucky to be conscious with a blood sugar level of 33 - he went nuts!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

There's a big thread about this study a while back which might make interesting reading...

The reporting was quite brief and not very clear (I think HelenM uncovered a more thorough write up) but here are a few thoughts:

1. It was a very small study, and the positive results were only ever couched in terms of, "so we need to have a look at this in more detail..."
2. It was never intended to be a DIY approach, it was undertaken under strict medical conditions
3. Some participants recovered normal or near normal pancreatic function and (I think) passed an OGTT. There is no way of knowing how long this situation will continue at this stage.
4. The importance of reduction in fat around the organs themselves (rather than total body fat) seems to be key
5. The media response was massively overenthusiastic. Many people affected by diabetes have been given the idea (or been told by friends/relatives/colleagues) that diabetes is now curable. In reality the research just suggests looking again at an already fairly well trod path.

 

[Mark T]

Prof Taylor stated, in his replies to those who asked questions about the study, that he was trying to prove his two-circle theory.

The two-circle theory is detailed here: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j088876181l3qu55/fulltext.html

(figure 6 is the main point I think)

I've not had time to fully read the article yet, but it suggests that the build up of fat in the liver causes glucose production to increase due to insulin resistance, this then then impairs action of the pancreas.