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From perusing the forums here I have noticed that a number of people have asked questions about the subject of remission/reversal and weight loss. I recently read the new book out by Prof Roy Taylor which discusses these issues at length and thought it might be useful to some people to relay some of Prof Taylors insights here. My apologies in advance, as I realise it will be old news to some people, but it may be useful to some so I thought it worthwhile.
From his research into type 2 diabetes, Prof Taylor believes that type 2 diabetes is caused by excess fat in the pancreas coupled with excess fat in the liver. When fat accumulates in the beta cells of the pancreas, he says, it can inhibit their proper functioning i.e. producing insulin, by switching off the genes necessary for this. The excess liver fat, he explains, renders the liver insulin resistant so that it is continually pumping out glucose. The theory posits that these factors combined are what cause type 2 diabetes, this has come to be known as The Twin Cycle Hypothesis. If you accept that excess fat in the pancreas and liver is what causes type 2 then it makes sense that removing that excess fat can reverse the condition, since removing the excess fat removes the apparent cause of type 2, at least for some people.
To quote Prof Taylors words exactly from his book (page 159):
"Your type 2 diabetes has been caused by less than half a gram of fat inside your pancreas. That small amount of excess fat is inside the cells, preventing the proper manufacture and release of insulin. There is not only excess fat within the cells of the pancreas, but too much in the blood, continually arriving and adding to the burden. Is there not some clever way of getting rid of this small amount of fat which is in the wrong place?
Sadly not. the only way of decreasing this burden of fat is to decrease the total amount of fat accumulated in your body - not just by a few kilograms, but by a lot. Once this is crystal clear, escape from type 2 diabetes is within your grasp. You need to lose weight and keep it off."
Therein lies the sting in the tail! According to the Prof, the typical amount of weight someone has to lose in order to remove that excess pancreatic fat is 15Kg, but he says this can vary from individual to individual, especially if you already have a low BMI.
He also says quite clearly that it does not matter which diet you follow to lose this weight. Shakes, Low fat, LCHF or any other diet will work as long as you lose sufficient weight to remove that excess pancreatic fat, you have a chance of reversing type 2, but, as I’m sure we all know by now, this chance decreases the longer you have had type 2.
Having said all that, this is of course, assumes reversal/remission or whatever you want to call it, is the removal of the cause of type 2. Some people define reversal as being able to bring blood sugar levels under control and eliminating medication through diet. I personally think these are slightly different definitions since it is possible to achieve excellent BG control without losing a nanogram of fat from the pancreas or elsewhere and for many people this may be a far more realistic approach. In the final analysis what matters most is finding a sustainable method of preventing the complications of diabetes form happening for as long as possible, and just how is up the individual to decide.
Whatever your views on the subject of reversal, sustainability is key since, obviously, if you return to doing whatever caused your type 2 in the first place it will inevitably return. Whether LCHF, LFHC, vegan, carnivore or any of the many other paths, all roads converge here! I personally think the term reversal should be revised to provisional reversal as I think this is more accurate and honest, but that’s just me!
Lastly, it is not my intention here to review or promote Prof Taylors book in any way shape or form, I just thought that some of its contents may answer some peoples questions. Entirely up to you whether you accept or reject any or all of it.
From his research into type 2 diabetes, Prof Taylor believes that type 2 diabetes is caused by excess fat in the pancreas coupled with excess fat in the liver. When fat accumulates in the beta cells of the pancreas, he says, it can inhibit their proper functioning i.e. producing insulin, by switching off the genes necessary for this. The excess liver fat, he explains, renders the liver insulin resistant so that it is continually pumping out glucose. The theory posits that these factors combined are what cause type 2 diabetes, this has come to be known as The Twin Cycle Hypothesis. If you accept that excess fat in the pancreas and liver is what causes type 2 then it makes sense that removing that excess fat can reverse the condition, since removing the excess fat removes the apparent cause of type 2, at least for some people.
To quote Prof Taylors words exactly from his book (page 159):
"Your type 2 diabetes has been caused by less than half a gram of fat inside your pancreas. That small amount of excess fat is inside the cells, preventing the proper manufacture and release of insulin. There is not only excess fat within the cells of the pancreas, but too much in the blood, continually arriving and adding to the burden. Is there not some clever way of getting rid of this small amount of fat which is in the wrong place?
Sadly not. the only way of decreasing this burden of fat is to decrease the total amount of fat accumulated in your body - not just by a few kilograms, but by a lot. Once this is crystal clear, escape from type 2 diabetes is within your grasp. You need to lose weight and keep it off."
Therein lies the sting in the tail! According to the Prof, the typical amount of weight someone has to lose in order to remove that excess pancreatic fat is 15Kg, but he says this can vary from individual to individual, especially if you already have a low BMI.
He also says quite clearly that it does not matter which diet you follow to lose this weight. Shakes, Low fat, LCHF or any other diet will work as long as you lose sufficient weight to remove that excess pancreatic fat, you have a chance of reversing type 2, but, as I’m sure we all know by now, this chance decreases the longer you have had type 2.
Having said all that, this is of course, assumes reversal/remission or whatever you want to call it, is the removal of the cause of type 2. Some people define reversal as being able to bring blood sugar levels under control and eliminating medication through diet. I personally think these are slightly different definitions since it is possible to achieve excellent BG control without losing a nanogram of fat from the pancreas or elsewhere and for many people this may be a far more realistic approach. In the final analysis what matters most is finding a sustainable method of preventing the complications of diabetes form happening for as long as possible, and just how is up the individual to decide.
Whatever your views on the subject of reversal, sustainability is key since, obviously, if you return to doing whatever caused your type 2 in the first place it will inevitably return. Whether LCHF, LFHC, vegan, carnivore or any of the many other paths, all roads converge here! I personally think the term reversal should be revised to provisional reversal as I think this is more accurate and honest, but that’s just me!
Lastly, it is not my intention here to review or promote Prof Taylors book in any way shape or form, I just thought that some of its contents may answer some peoples questions. Entirely up to you whether you accept or reject any or all of it.
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