Evidence For Diabetes Reversal

The 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy programs​ are based on the research of Dr. Roy Taylor and his team in Newcastle over the past 20 years.  Taylor has shown that Type II Diabetes is a disease of energy overload.  Energy, from food, stored as fat, overwhelms our body’s healthy storage capabilities.  Fat is then stored in places it shouldn’t be - within the cells of the liver, pancreas and muscle initially causing insulin resistance and eventually pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, abnormal blood sugars and diabetes.

From cellular studies, to MRI imaging, all the way to a randomized controlled primary care study, Taylor developed the Twin Cycle Theory to explain the pathogenesis of Type II Diabetes and most importantly demonstrated the reversibility and potential for diabetes remission.  Getting rid of the fat in the liver and pancreas, restores insulin sensitivity and improves beta cell function.  The amount of fat in each organ is relatively small - 400g in the liver and only 5g in the pancreas.  However to achieve these reversals most people need to lose significant weight.  In the DiRECT study, Taylor and his colleagues showed that 86% of people who lost > 15kg of weight were able to achieve reversal of their diabetes.

At Wellness Garage, we have taken these insights and combined them with other evidence to develop the 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy with a goal of helping people reverse their Type II Diabetes.

The 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy consists of four key and two secondary behaviours:

Our programs for patients have three phases:

1. Induction - learn the 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy behaviours.  This stage is supported through a combination of our 6 week group medical visit course which is paired with a personalized lifestyle medicine assessment (both of which are covered by MSP with referral).
2. Intervention  - intensive effort to reverse diabetes through weight reduction. This is delivered with dietician support to customize the approach to the individual’s dietary preference while closely monitoring blood glucose levels.  It generally involves active “de-prescribing” of diabetic medications as blood sugars fall and normalize.  Click here to learn more on the intensive 1:1 support program.
3. Indefinite - maintenance of the 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy behaviours for life.  Supported through our Facebook Private Community and ongoing educational events at the Wellness Garage.

Research References:
Taylor and team demonstrated that metabolic vicious cycles operating in the liver and pancreas (Twin Cycle) cause insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction that results in Type II Diabetes AND that these processes can be reversed.  They have systematically tested and confirmed each step of the hypothesis.

Research References:

1. DiRECT Study - demonstration of diabetes reversal in primary care.
2. Counterpoint Study - demonstrated the return of pancreatic insulin response with decrease of pancreatic fat from a 15% weight loss.
3. Counterbalance Study - beneficial changes of weight loss persist with weight stability.
4. Translating aetiological insight into sustainable management of type 2 diabetes

Wellness Garage Resources

• Is Diabetes Reversible - Part I
• Is Diabetes Reversible - Part II
• Is Diabetes Reversible - Part III
• Understanding Insulin Resistance is the First Step to Reversing Diabetes
• ​How to Reverse Diabetes