Conventional beliefs about Type 2 diabetes have been challenged and dismantled, thanks to researchers at Newcastle University.
Once considered an irreversible condition, we now know that it is possible put Type 2 diabetes into remission through losing weight from the liver and pancreas. Read on to find out more about our studies into diabetes research, led by trailblazing diabetologist, Professor Roy Taylor.
Contents:
A history of world-leading diabetes research
Professor Roy Taylor MBE – physician, diabetologist, and Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Metabolism at Newcastle University – spearheaded the initial study into what causes Type 2 diabetes following the Twin Cycle Hypothesis in 2008. Proof of this hypothesis was published in the 2011 study Counterpoint, funded by Diabetes UK. It concluded that Type 2 diabetes is caused by too much fat building up within liver and overspilling into the rest of the body – and could be reversed by losing fat.
The next study, Counterbalance, was funded by Diabetes UK to examine whether a low-calorie liquid diet could help put Type 2 diabetes into remission. It found that following a diet designed to bring about major weight loss caused the fat inside the liver and pancreas to revert to normal levels. Once the cause of Type 2 diabetes was reversed – and as long as the patient’s weight was not gained back – their diabetes disappeared.
According to Prof Taylor: ‘Our early research into what happens to food after it is absorbed showed the importance of the liver, and particularly that too much fat in the liver caused problems. Together with other research studies it was possible to piece together exactly why Type 2 diabetes might be caused. This was published as the Twin Cycle Hypothesis. Confirmation of this by the Counterpoint study proved that it should be able to be reversed to normal.’
Since then, Prof Taylor’s research has formed the basis of the Diabetes REmissions Clinical Trial (DiRECT), which influenced the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme rolled out by the NHS in 2023. Prof Taylor has also authored the book 'Life Without Diabetes', of which a second updated edition was published in 2025.
This groundbreaking research has sent waves through the medical care community. Currently, every person in England and Scotland suffering from Type 2 diabetes (aged under 65 years, within six years of diagnosis, and a body mass index over 27) can be referred to NHS remission programmes. Similar programmes have also been rolled out in other countries.
Diabetes research blogs
For over four decades, Newcastle University has been at the forefront of a variety of breakthroughs in diabetes research. Read on for more in-depth information on some notable achievements and studies:
Elizabeth's story: a journey to reversing her Type 2 diabetes
Elizabeth was shocked when she was diagnosed with borderline Type 2 diabetes. After experiencing increased tiredness, sluggishness, and struggling to get through day-to-day routines, she was tested by her GP and received her diagnosis.
Elizabeth was advised by her doctors that she’d need medication to manage the condition. However, Elizabeth followed a low-calorie diet programme recommended by our pioneering research into reversing Type 2 diabetes. This led her to lose weight and reverse the condition.
Professor Roy Taylor on discovering the cause of Type 2 diabetes
Pioneering diabetologist, Professor Roy Taylor.
Professor Roy Taylor's pioneering discoveries have been accepted by the NHS - signifying more than just a scientific breakthrough, but marking a shift in how we perceive and treat Type 2 diabetes (T2D). His findings - demonstrating the reversibility of T2D - have become a beacon of hope for thousands, empowering patients to transform their lives. Here, he shares with us what his research has involved.
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Newcastle University's researchers are helping to define the cause of diabetes.
Newcastle University's research into Type 2 diabetes is benefiting people across the globe. About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with the majority living in low-and middle-income countries. 1.6 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
As well as causing serious long-term health problems, including impaired vision, blindness and amputation of the lower limbs and feet, diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.
You might also like:
- discover more about the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, and its mission to develop and use non-invasive magnetic resonance methodology to solve important problems of human health
- read the articles:
- learn more about Emeritus Professor Roy Taylor, and read the 2nd edition his book, 'Life Without Diabetes'
- find out how, through our Diabetes Research, it is now possible to reverse early type 2 diabetes
- for healthcare providers:
- A toolkit providing all necessary information was made available online in 2025
- A Q&A article on this was requested by the Primary Care Diabetes Society
- discover how we're helping to create a world in which we all live better, for longer
