Type two diabetes can be put in remission for at least two years following a three-month diet of soups and shakes, a landmark study has found. The condition was reversed in two thirds of diabetics who lost at least a stone and a half.

Researchers said the findings were “incredibly exciting” and could mean the end of type two diabetes as a lifelong condition.

Previous studies have found that in the short-term, the disease can be reversed, by sticking to a very low-calorie diet.

The new study tracked participants long after the diet finished - and found that two thirds of those who lost at least 22 lbs remained in remission after two years.

Scientists believe the strict diet is particularly effective at shifting fat surrounding the pancreas, helping the recovery of its function producing insulin.