Meet Elizabeth, whose life has been transformed by Professor Roy Taylor’s pioneering research.
For World Diabetes Day on the 14 November, we're sharing Elizabeth's journey to reversing her Type 2 diabetes.
Elizabeth's story
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.
'The couple of months that I’ve lost the weight, it’s a massive change. So I’m feeling more positive for the future and enjoying things with my family.'
Elizabeth
What causes Type 2 diabetes?
Professor Roy Taylor, MBE and Professor of Medicine and Metabolism at Newcastle University, has pioneered research into Type 2 diabetes funded by Diabetes UK.
Type 2 diabetes has long been regarded as a chronic disease, however, Professor Taylor’s studies using innovative magnetic resonance methods confirmed his Twin Cycle Hypothesis – that Type 2 diabetes is simply caused by excess fat within the liver and pancreas. In the liver, this fat causes a poor response to insulin and produces too much glucose. In the pancreas, the fat inhibits insulin secretion.
1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, and rates have risen dramatically in countries of all income levels over the past three decades. It can cause serious long-term health problems, including impaired vision, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation of the lower limbs and feet. Diabetes is also a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Prior to our research, the outlook for people like Elizabeth would mean long-term medication. But Professor Taylor’s work has proven that the condition can be reversed.
Reversing Type 2 diabetes?
Due to Professor Taylor’s innovative research, how and why Type 2 diabetes happens is now understood.
'For Elizabeth, this has been life-changing, and that’s a phrase used by many people.'
Professor Roy Taylor
People who follow a low-calorie diet with support from their GP can reverse their Type 2 diabetes, bringing their blood sugar to a normal level, to a point where they no longer need medication. For most people, losing around 15kg should be enough to achieve this.
Studies also showed that for people with Type 2 diabetes it didn't matter how they lost weight, sufficient weight loss allowed them to reverse their diabetes.
They also found that individuals have a 'personal' fat threshold, meaning that even people who look thin may have crossed their threshold and developed Type 2 diabetes.
Importantly, the most recent findings show that the programme continues to work, providing that the person doesn’t regain the excess weight.
Following trials, the low-calorie diet is now available in England on the NHS. This means that people like Elizabeth have the support to transform their lives and the possibility of a healthier future.
Now available on the NHS
This success has led to the rollout of the NHS Type 2 Diabetes – Path to Remission Programme as a national programme throughout England.
Following a referral from your GP, you'll begin a 12-week programme, followed by a further 12 months of support and monitoring. If you are interested in taking part, discuss it with your GP for more details.
Transforming lives globally
Professor Taylor’s pioneering research has redefined the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, showing it is no longer a life-long condition with an inevitable decline into ill health. These discoveries have empowered patients around the world to transform their lives.
You might also like
- discover how we’re helping people live healthier, happier, longer lives
- learn more about Professor Roy Taylor, his research, teaching and publications
- find out more information about reversing Type 2 diabetes and ongoing remission
- explore more about the discovery of the cause of Type 2 diabetes in Professor Roy Taylor’s own words
- learn about Type 2 diabetes remission on the Diabetes UK website
