Type 2 Diabetes Remission Science
This page outlines the science behind the main two different approaches to putting Type 2 Diabetes into remission. Some of the links are to resources designed for medical professionals but may also be of interest to people with Type 2 Diabetes or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Low Carb
Dr Unwin is a GP partner at Norwood Surgery in Southport. He has been advocating a low carbohydrate approach to the management of Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-diabetes since 2013 and has had amazing results.
The latest results from his surgery are published in a BMJ nutrition article which you can find here. In the video below you can see an introduction to his approach. If you would rather a podcast then this interview at the UK low carb podcast is a good option.
In this next video Dr Unwin explains his approach in more detail and reveals the data from 7 years of experience treating people with low carbohydrate diets.
Low Calorie (Shake diet)
Professor Roy Taylor is Professor of Medicine and Metabolism at the University of Newcastle. His DIRECT trial has recieved a lot of publicity due to it showing in 2017 that people could reverse their Type 2 Diabetes through the use of a calorie restricted diet.
For more information on the trial you can visit their website here. The trial was funded by Diabetes UK and they have a website which explains the results.
In this next video Professor Taylor explains his approach in just 5 and a half minutes. You can read more about his approach in his book which is available here.
Joint statement
On World Diabetes Day 2020 Professor Roy Taylor and Dr David Unwin put out a joint statement which you can see here. There are many things they agree on. Both approaches can reverse Type 2 Diabetes in a significant number of people.
Dr Unwin has longer term data showing sustained improvement and this is important. You might want to consider starting with shakes and then moving to low carb or starting with low carb and seeing a more gradual but potentially more sustainable change.
How to switch to low carb / low calorie
There are certain situations where a switch to one of the above diets could be harmful and so medical advice should be sought. If you take no medication for Blood Pressure and no medication for Type 2 Diabetes (or only Metformin) then there should be no reason why you could not try one of these diets. However, if you are on medication for high blood pressure then you should discuss with a health professional as these diets can lower your blood pressure and you may need to reduce your dose or even come off some medication. Also, if you are on medication other than Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes then you should discuss with a health professional as these diets could cause low blood sugar levels or other issues which will need to be discussed before you make a significant change to your diet.
An article in the British Journal of General Practice gives a useful approach to consider with regards to any medication changes which might need to be considered when switching to a low carbohydrate diet and can be found here.
This website does not provide personal medical advice.
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