PUNE: A recent study conducted at Bavdhan-based Chellaram Institute of Diabetes has found that Type 2 diabetes which affects almost 70 million people in India, in its initial stages can be reversed with low calorie diet. The doctors from the institute said that such studies are also conducted globally with similar results.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Unnikrishnan AG, Chief Endocrinologist and CEO at Chellaram Diabetes Institute said that selective patients who are younger with shorter duration of diabetes and are slightly more obese can reverse diabetes by proper lifestyle changes.
"A study conducted in outside India last year has found that such reversal is possible if there is low-calorie intake and lifestyle change. We now know that there are two types of conditions in diabetes. Firstly, insulin is not getting produced and secondly, insulin is not acting. In western countries, type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity. In India, the fat is mostly around the abdomen. We know that diabetes is a disease of high glucose level. Hence, the focus of newer studies in this field is on cutting down carbohydrates,” said Unnikrishnan.
He further added that this is twin cycle hypothesis. “Cut down carbohydrate to lose weight and body becomes more sensitive to insulin. With weight loss, the pancreas also loses fat and produce more insulin, hence the dual function,” said Unnikrishnan.
He further mentioned that the 12 patients who were a part of the study in the institute have now reversed their diabetes. “The recent study conducted globally included 300 patients. But the study still needs time,” said Unnikrishnan.
He emphasised that in relatively younger people, changing the lifestyle can bring a lot of changes.
“However, it requires a lot of motivation. We have given 1,000 calories for three months to these patients and cut their carbohydrates in the same period of time. Minimum calories should be taken," he added.