Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

1. FUTURE HEALTH SUMMIT
2016
Dr. Eva Orsmond, MD, MPh
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

2. CAN TYPE 2 DIABETES BE
REVERSED?
o Can it be reversed?
o Typical Definition:
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition
that cannot be cured, just managed.
This statement only applies to someone at a set
weight and unchanged lifestyle.
While T2DM can not be cured, it can be resolved!

3. WHAT IS DISEASE?
o In medicine, a Disease is said to be ‘incurable’
if there is always a chance of the patient
relapsing.
o As T2 Diabetes is a lifestyle related disease,
relapse is hard to avoid, but even if relapse
occurs, this disease can still be reversed !
o But to do this we need to start to TREAT the
disease and not the SYMPTOMS

4. EXTRACT FROM MIMS
Glucophage (metformin) is used to treat
patients with type 2 diabetes when diet
and exercise alone have not been
enough to control blood glucose levels.
It is used particularly in overweight
patients.

6. TREATING TYPE 2 DIABETES
o Weight reduction is the most effective
initial treatment for T2DM
o Low carbohydrate diet is the most
effective for glucose control
o Approaches Include:
o Very Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)
o Low Carbohydrate High Fat Diet (LCHF)
o Sustained Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD)
o Intermittent Fasting with LCHF or LCD.

7. CARBOHYDRATES & INSULIN
Decrease Carbohydrate intake
Glucose goes down
Need less Insulin

8. VLCKD – A DIET APPROACH FOR
T2DM
(very low calorie and carbohydrate ketogenic diet)
o Low in carbohydrates (<50g/day)
o Allows medication reduction (oral &
insulin) followed by immediate
improved glucose control
o Excellent compliance as pt feels
empowered. Ketone bodies, high fibre
and adequate protein ensures satiety
o 10% weight loss in 40 days (~22lb)

9. WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
o A new way of looking at food.
Traditional food Pyramid.
Too many Carbs - the cause of the problem
New healthy food Pyramid.
Vegetables and fruit form the foundation

10. DIABETIC DRUGS
o Required in OW Patients who are
unwilling to lose weight.
o Benefits of prescription drugs needs
to outweigh the negative side-
effects!
o Drugs do nothing or even worsen
the progress of the disease.
A quote from one of my patients GP’s
“If the diabetes doesn't kill you the
drugs will”

12. THE PROOF
oProf Taylor (2011 study) – “the twin defects of
beta cell failure and insulin resistance that underlie type 2
diabetes can be reversed by acute negative energy balance
alone.”
oThe Look AHEAD (Action for Health for Diabetes)
2012 study – “an intensive lifestyle intervention was
associated with a greater likelihood of partial remission of type
2 diabetes compared with diabetes support and education.
However, the absolute remission rates were modest.”

13. CONCLUDING REMARKS
So, can type 2 Diabetes be reversed?
In most cases it can be reversed if
you want it.
1. Lose weight with VLCKD or other
low carbohydrate diet
2. Change the lifestyle that caused it
3. Maintain the weight loss and new
lifestyle