Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Our work has shown that type 2 diabetes is not inevitably progressive and life-long. We have demonstrated that in people who have had type 2 diabetes for 4 years or less, major weight loss returns insulin secretion to normal.
In 2008, we published the Twin Cycle Hypothesis to explain the cause of type 2 diabetes. This hypothesis predicted that diet could entirely reverse type 2 diabetes. Click on this link to read the scientific review (website of the US National Library of Medicine).
A clinical study designed to test the hypothesis was funded by Diabetes UK. The results were very clear. Weight loss averaging 15kg (2 stone 5lb) achieved over 8 weeks caused two distinct sets of changes. Within 7 days, liver fat had fallen by 30%, liver insulin sensitivity had returned to normal and fasting blood glucose had become normal. By 8 weeks, pancreas fat content had returned to normal and insulin secretion by the pancreas had returned to normal. Click on this link to read the full scientific paper. And click here to read the University Press Release of 24 June 2011.
This new understanding of what causes type 2 diabetes and how it can be completely reversed has been used by individuals worldwide, and their experiences have now been published. Click on this link to read this report.
Professor Taylor was awarded the 2012 Banting Lectureship of Diabetes UK, and the written version of his lecture is available here.
It is important that people with diabetes should discuss their management with their own doctor, and as it will take years for this new knowledge to become incorporated into textbooks and guidelines, some notes for your doctor have been written: Information for Doctors (PDF: 220KB). Do bear in mind that your doctor will be wary of information from the internet – but this comes from the University of Newcastle.
Further Information
Click here more information for people with type 2 diabetes: Reply from Professor Taylor to frequently asked questions (PDF: 286KB)
Samples of the vegetable recipes (PDF: 205KB) we used, devised by Miss Karen Heron, Dietician, Newcastle Diabetes Centre. Much more information is available on low calorie diets from the Diabetes UK website
At the end of the 8-week dietary intervention, subjects returned to normal eating but were provided with information about portion size and healthy eating.
For scientists and doctors with access to the journal Diabetes Care, a full review of the science underlying this matter can be found by clicking here
