Research
Energy balance
In individuals with type 2 diabetes, hepatic fat content and hepatic insulin resistance are normalized within days of initiating a hypoenergetic diet, whereas muscle insulin sensitivity remains abnormal for weeks.
If you have early type 2 diabetes, focus on reducing liver fat through a caloric deficit. You do not need to wait for muscle insulin sensitivity to improve; fixing the liver and lowering fasting glucose happens very quickly (within days) by eating less.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
Liver fat levels fall within days and normal hepatic insulin sensitivity is restored. Simultaneously, plasma glucose levels return towards normal. Insulin sensitivity of muscle remains abnormal, at least over the weeks and months after bariatric surgery.
Why this rating
Based on prospective randomized controlled trials and detailed metabolic clamping studies.
Source
Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes: tracing the reverse route from cure to cause
Rachael W. Taylor · Diabetologia · 2008
DOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1116-7
narrative_reviewCited 350×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
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- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
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