Why 50% of 10,000 UK Type II Diabetics Choose Low Carb Diet Instead of Drugs
Insights from Medical Dr. David Unwin’s scientific paper in the BMJ
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As a public health professional, I have closely observed the impact of type II diabetes in my practice and networks. It is heartbreaking to witness friends undergo amputations, lose their vision, and even face premature death due to this chronic disease.
The progression of type II diabetes to severe conditions like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and certain cancers is deeply concerning.
Inspired by a powerful quote from Dr. David Unwin, I felt compelled to write this story today to shed light on this urgent issue.
Here is some high-level information about his background.
Here is a tweet Dr Unwin shared on the X platform today. It has already got over 8000 views.
The tweet has a link to his practical and insightful paper published in the BMJ in 2023. I’d like to give you a summary of the paper I read last year to inform you of their findings with takeaways for type II diabetic patients.
Summary of the paper titled “What predicts drug-free type 2 diabetes remission? Insights from an 8-year general practice service evaluation of a lower carbohydrate diet with weight loss” by Dr Unwin and His Team on the BMJ
As you may know, type 2 diabetes is typically seen as a progressive, lifelong condition requiring more and more medications. However, it is now known that sustained remission of type 2 diabetes is possible, though not yet common practice.
However, my mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz, firmly believes that it is reversible.
As a Scientist / Former Prediabetic, I Optimistically Believe Type II Diabetes Is Preventable and…
The importance of faith, optimism, personal responsibility, lifestyle choices, and timely professional support with…medium.com
I am particularly interested in his healthy lifestyle choices like fasting and ketogentic diets. I link a few of his inspiring stories for interested readers.
Remarkable Health Benefits of Long-Term Fasting
Understanding the Nuances of 4 Types of Obesity
A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.
Here’s Why I Focus on Nutritional Biochemistry Rather Than Diets
About Norwood Surgery
Since 2013, Norwood Surgery has been using a low-carbohydrate diet program to achieve remission. From 2013 to 2021, a suburban medical practice with 9,800 patients routinely advised those with type 2 diabetes to follow a low-carbohydrate diet and aim for weight loss.
This advice was given through regular doctor consultations, group meetings, and personal phone calls. Patients interested in the program were tracked to compare their initial health data with follow-up results.
Of the type 2 diabetes patients in the practice, 186 chose the low-carbohydrate approach, making up 39% of the type 2 diabetes register. Over an average of 33 months:
Median weight dropped from 97 kg to 86 kg, with an average weight loss of 10 kg.
Median HbA1c levels, a marker of blood sugar, fell from 63 to 46 mmol/mol.
77% of those with type 2 diabetes for less than a year achieved remission, compared to 20% for those with type 2 diabetes for more than 15 years. Overall, 51% of participants achieved remission.
Average LDL cholesterol decreased by 0.5 mmol/L, triglycerides by 0.9 mmol/L, and systolic blood pressure by 12 mm Hg.
The practice saw significant cost savings on diabetes medications, spending £4.94 per patient per year compared to £11.30 at local practices, saving £68,353 in the year ending January 2022.
Conclusions and Takeaways
This study describes a practical method in primary care to achieve type 2 diabetes remission using a low-carbohydrate diet. The approach led to significant weight loss and health benefits, with 20% of the entire practice’s type 2 diabetes population achieving remission.
Early intervention (within the first year of type 2 diabetes diagnosis) is crucial for the best chance of remission. Even those who did not achieve remission saw significant improvements in their diabetes control.
Like Dr. Yildiz, I firmly believe that type II diabetes is preventable and reversible. You may check out his story, which givesvaluable insights.
Here’s Why and How Type II Diabetes Is Preventable and Reversible
The new generation of scientists and clinicians brings hope to chronic disorders once believed non-curable.medium.com
A low-carbohydrate diet can lead to significant weight loss and health improvements in type 2 diabetes patients.
Early intervention is crucial for achieving remission.
This approach can save money on diabetes medications.
Significant health improvements are possible even for those who do not achieve full remission.
If you’re not familiar with low-carb diets, check out these two stories by Dr. Yildiz. They provide plenty of scientific resources that can inform, inspire, and even convince you.
A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.
4 reasons why a low-carb diet might produce better results than a high-carb diet for metabolically disadvantaged…medium.com
Insights from a New Clinical Study Showing a Ketogenic Diet That Improved Bipolar & Schizophrenia
Summary of a pilot study (clinical trial NCT03935854) by Stanford University on humans for metabolic psychiatry giving…medium.com
To take your health to the next level, consider adding intermittent or periodic fasting to your routine. These methods pair well with low-carb, high-fat diets. I’ve been following this approach and thoroughly enjoy it, even in my mid-70s.
Here are some insights with scientific backing.
The True Science Behind the Health Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating, Including 23 Quality…
A 2024 meta-analysis (umbrella review) in the Lancet shows the nuances and value of intermittent fasting for health and…medium.com
Perfect Storm in a Teacup: Can Intermittent Fasting Increase Heart Disease Risk by 91%?
Insights from the dissemination of a poster presentation of a non-peer-reviewed/unpublished manuscript, which turned…medium.com
Remarkable Health Benefits of Long-Term Fasting
Here’s why I fast for ten days at the end of each year.medium.com
Thank you for reading my short story and I’d like to read your feedback on this important health matter.
About Me
I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post.