Comparing with ITER, the experimental fusion machine under construction, the next-step test fusion power plant, DEMO will be characterized by a very long pulse/steady-state operation and much higher plasma volume and fusion power. The substantially increased level of neutron and gamma fluxes will require reducing the physical access to the plant. It means some conventional diagnostics for the fusion plasma control will not be suitable in DEMO. Development of diagnostics along with the machine design is a primary task for the test plant. The deuterium–tritium fuel ratio and temperature are among important parameters, which should be under control. In this paper, a novel technique for the core fuel ratio and temperature diagnostics is proposed. It is based on measurements and comparison of the rates T(p, γ)4He and D(T, γ)5He nuclear reactions that take place in the hot deuterium–tritium plasma. Based on detection of high-energy gamma-rays, this diagnostic is robust, efficient and does not require direct access to the plasma. It could be included in the loop of the burning plasma control system. A feasibility of the diagnostic in experiments on JET and ITER is also discussed.