Dr Paul Mason: So Peter, I often get asked by patients whether it's possible to put type two diabetes into remission. 

Dr Peter Brukner: Well the international studies have shown very clearly, that that's possible. Tell us about some of those studies, Paul?

Dr Paul Mason: Well, there was one large study from the United States, where they, at this stage have published data after two years. And they found that people who were placed on a medically supervised low carbohydrate program, after two years, 55% of them had put their diabetes into remission. And if we think about what that actually means, in practical terms, well, let's have a look at the average use of insulin. So in the standard care group that was receiving all the medical care that people usually get, but they weren't on a low carb diet, their average use of insulin was seven times greater than the low carb group. One hundred and nine units of insulin per day, compared to 15 and a half. And if we then have a look at measures of insulin resistance, something which is central to the problem in type two diabetes, we really don't like insulin resistance at all. The low carb group had a 32% reduction in insulin resistance over that two year period, while the standard care group continued to get worse, they had a 49% increase. 

So there's very clear evidence that the low carb diet as a part of a medical program, can significantly improve diabetic control to the point of putting 55% of participants into remission at two years.

Dr Peter Brukner: So there is hope for people with type two diabetes. 

Dr Paul Mason: Absolutely. We've got this very clear evidence that if you're on the standard model of care, then sure things aren't looking good for you. But if you can go on to a low carb diet, then at two years, there's evidence that 55% of people can put their diabetes into remission. That is absolutely huge.

Dr Peter Brukner: There is hope.