Roy Taylor: How to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes by Losing Weight

By Type2 Advice - Anna

June 3, 2023

We can now set that aside. It’s possible to return people to real health. The drugs are stopped on day one of the diet if they’re on drugs. Stopping insulin can be done. That requires more attention. There is more information about this on a website that we put up in the University of Newcastle. We can never guarantee complete reversal back to non-diabetic levels but it’s certainly the case that the diabetes will be much better controlled on less medication. (Professor Roy Taylor)

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis may initially appear daunting with several potentially serious conditions being linked to it. However, it’s crucial to remember that this disease is not an unalterable verdict. Our bodies’ intricate systems, specifically the handling of insulin and blood sugar levels, offer opportunities for us to seize control and significantly improve our health. In the upcoming article, we’ll delve into just how possible it is to control over Type 2 diabetes, supporting the central message of empowerment and personal health management that type2advice.com consistently promotes. In fact type2 can be reversed by losing weight and avoiding weight regain. This is the main message of Roy Taylor, a British scientist and professor at Newcastle University, who has been studying the causes and treatments of type 2 diabetes for over 40 years. In this article, we will explain how type 2 diabetes can be reversed by weight loss, based on Taylor’s research and findings. We will also provide some practical tips and advice for people with type 2 diabetes who want to try this approach.

What causes type 2 diabetes- Taylor’s views?

According to Taylor, type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver and pancreas. These are two vital organs that regulate blood sugar levels by producing and responding to insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) from food as energy or store it for later use. When there is too much fat in the liver and pancreas, they become resistant to insulin and stop working properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

Taylor explains: “Type 2 diabetes is a potentially reversible metabolic state precipitated by the single cause of chronic excess intraorgan fat.”

How can weight loss reverse type 2 diabetes?

Taylor and his colleagues have shown that weight loss can reverse type 2 diabetes by removing excess fat from the liver and pancreas. This can restore their normal function and sensitivity to insulin, and thus normalize blood sugar levels.

They have demonstrated this in several studies involving people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-calorie diet for a period of time. The most notable one is the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), which involved 298 participants from primary care settings in the UK.

The Path to Reversing Diabetes

Professor Taylor believes the path to reversing diabetes can be achieved through a targeted weight loss of approximately 15 kilograms, facilitated by a low-calorie diet supplemented with non-starchy vegetables and specially designed formula diets. This aligns with his findings from the DiRECT study where individuals who lost more than 15 kg of weight experienced higher remission rates.

The Significance of Weight and Diabetes

Interestingly, Professor Taylor dispels a common misconception associating obesity directly with diabetes. He clarifies that even individuals within a healthy weight range can develop type 2 diabetes if they carry more fat than their body can tolerate. It highlights the complexity of type 2 diabetes and the crucial role of individual physiological differences in its onset.

Exercise, Maintenance, and Cultural Acceptance

In the later part of his presentation, Professor Taylor underscores the importance of timing exercise, maintaining weight loss, and ensuring cultural acceptance of the proposed diet. He emphasizes that the approach to diabetes management should be individualized, taking into account personal needs and cultural dietary preferences.

What are the benefits of reversing type 2 diabetes?

Reversing type 2 diabetes by weight loss can have many benefits for people’s health and well-being. Some of these benefits are:

Reducing the risk of developing complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye damage, and foot ulcers.
Improving the quality of life by reducing symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and infections.
Saving money on medication, tests, and health care costs.
Boosting self-esteem and confidence by achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle.

How to reverse type 2 diabetes by weight loss?

If you have type 2 diabetes and want to try reversing it by weight loss, here are some steps you can take:

Consult your doctor before starting any weight loss program. They can advise you on your target weight, calorie intake, medication adjustment, and monitoring plan.
Follow a low-calorie diet that provides about 800 calories per day for up to 12 weeks. You can use meal replacement products such as shakes or soups, or choose foods that are low in fat and sugar but high in protein and fibre.
Increase your physical activity gradually. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. You can also do some strength training to build muscle mass and prevent muscle loss.
Keep track of your weight, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels regularly. Use a scale, a glucometer, a blood pressure monitor, and a home cholesterol test kit to measure your progress.
Seek support from your family, friends, health-care team, or online communities. They can motivate you, provide emotional support, share their experiences, and offer practical tips and advice.

Conclusion

Professor Taylor’s research provides a fresh perspective on managing type 2 diabetes, sending a message of hope that with weight loss and the right diet, it’s possible to reverse Type 2 diabetes. This is not just a powerful statement, but a call to action to consider weight management as a fundamental part of diabetes treatment.

References and Further Reading

You can delve deeper into Professor Taylor’s research and findings through these resources:

Books by Professor Roy Taylor

For an even more comprehensive understanding of his work, consider reading Professor Taylor’s books:

Remember, before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure these adjustments are safe for you. It’s essential to get personalized advice that considers your current health status and unique needs.