A nine-week program designed by clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo aims to help individuals with type 2 diabetes achieve remission by reducing body fat, particularly in the liver and pancreas. The plan is also suitable for those with prediabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity, as approximately 80% of individuals with these conditions carry excess weight. Di Lorenzo emphasizes that diabetes is a diet-related disease and addressing the cause through dietary changes and achieving a healthy weight is crucial for treatment.
The program promotes a nutrient-dense diet that encourages mild ketosis, focusing on high-fiber, low-carbohydrate fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Di Lorenzo states that fat loss is the primary objective, as excess fat interferes with essential glucose control functions.
According to Di Lorenzo, fat accumulation in the liver drives insulin resistance, requiring the body to produce more insulin. Reducing liver fat can improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control, with potential for rapid results. Similarly, fat in the pancreas, especially around the beta cells, impairs insulin production and release. Lowering pancreatic fat can allow these cells to recover and function properly.
The program's approach is based on the principle that substantial weight loss is necessary to reduce fat in the liver and pancreas, thereby restoring insulin production and sensitivity. The longer diabetes persists, the more challenging it can be to fully recover pancreatic and liver function for remission. Di Lorenzo notes that excess fat is inflammatory and releases molecules that can block insulin signaling and damage beta cells, making fat removal essential for normal blood glucose regulation.
One success story highlighted is that of Alex Cadger, who, after experiencing burnout and weight gain, followed Di Lorenzo's strict eating plan. Within a year, he lost 20 kilograms, and subsequent blood tests indicated that his insulin resistance had been reversed. Alex reported that his doctor was pleased with the results and that he continues to maintain a healthy diet.
Di Lorenzo's plan incorporates specific meal suggestions for the initial weeks. Week one focuses on gut health and lowering inflammation, with meals such as poached eggs with spinach, salmon with broccoli, and Greek yogurt with chia seeds. Week two shifts focus to settling into ketosis, losing weight, and further reducing inflammation, featuring options like anti-inflammatory smoothies and high-protein, low-carb pancakes. Week three emphasizes supporting gut health, introducing meals like black bean patties and miso-glazed eggplant, while also addressing potential digestive changes.
Di Lorenzo explains that entering ketosis varies for each individual, with potential physical signs including changes in breath odor, increased urination, dry mouth, temporary fatigue (keto flu), appetite suppression, digestive changes, muscle cramps, and initial water weight loss followed by fat loss. After adaptation, many report improved concentration and mental clarity. The full nine-week plan, including recipes, is detailed in Di Lorenzo's book, 'The Blood Sugar Repair Plan'.