A THIN liner fitted into the gut could help with major weight loss and even reverse Type 2 diabetes, a study claims.
In a trial, 60 people lost an average of 2½st in a year, with half of them keeping the flab off for at least two years.
More than a quarter who had been injecting insulin to control their diabetes managed to come off it after getting their blood sugar under control.
The Endo-barrier gut liner is inserted via the mouth and through the stomach.
It is left inside the body for a year before being removed via the mouth by a doctor.
It covers the first 2ft of small intestine to reduce how much sugar is absorbed.
This alters how hormones are released and makes people feel fuller more quickly.
Trial leader Dr Bob Ryder, from Birmingham City Hospital, said: “There is a worldwide pandemic of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
“Many people are not able to keep weight off and have blood sugar levels that are too high despite their best efforts and all available medications.
“Bariatric surgery can be effective but demand is too great and the surgery is permanent and not without risk.
“This has the advantage of being a relatively easy treatment to give, and it is not permanent as the device is removed after about a year.”
The process would cost around £7,000.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, from the charity Diabetes UK, said: “Bringing blood sugars into target range and keeping them there can still be a real challenge.
“More type 2 treatments will mean that people with the condition will have a better opportunity of finding a treatment that suits them, so they have the best chance of a long and healthy future.”