Reversal NZ

02/03/2026

https://rcr.media/episodes/health-hacks-with-dr-glen-davies-ultra-processed-food-and-the-pre-diabetes-trap/

Paul Brennan talks with Dr Glen Davies from ReversalNZ about why the term “pre-diabetes” is dangerously misleading. Drawing on work by Karen Zinn and Grant Schofield, Glen explains HbA1c as a measure of “sugary”, sticky blood, and argues that so-called pre-diabetes actually signals years ...

16/02/2026

"The voice of nutrition in New Zealand is alarmingly quiet"

Click through to read this new report by Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand (PSGRNZ) challenges the foundations of New Zealand’s health policy and dietary guidance, arguing that the country’s escalating burden of chronic metabolic and mental illness is not inevitable and can be reversed.

12/02/2026

Dr Glen's letter to NZ Doctor Magazine has been published

As Specialist General Practitioners with a deep and ongoing interest in the management of Type 2 Diabetes, we wish to congratulate Nataly Martini on her recent article “Type 2 Diabetes” in the October issue of NZ Doctor. Her insightful exploration of diabetes reversal and the crucial role of lifestyle interventions is an important and timely contribution to the discussion around diabetes care in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is heartening to see growing awareness of approaches that go beyond medication, highlighting the power of nutrition and lifestyle change in achieving meaningful health outcomes for people living with T2 Diabetes.

From our collective clinical experience, we have observed that prioritising lifestyle change—specifically reducing sugar, ultra-processed carbohydrates, and the overall overconsumption of carbohydrates—has enabled hundreds of our patients with diabetes and prediabetes to dramatically improve their metabolic health. Many have achieved normalisation of their HbA1c and reversal of insulin resistance, often reducing or even discontinuing medication as their health improves. These outcomes are possible with sustained support and a focus on dietary interventions such as low carbohydrate eating patterns, which empower patients to address the root causes of their metabolic dysfunction.

However, we feel there is still a significant gap between this evidence-based approach and current standard practice, which too often defaults to long-term pharmacotherapy. While medications have a role, we believe their use should be more judicious—primarily reserved for situations where patients are not ready or able to make the necessary lifestyle changes, or as a temporary measure until lifestyle interventions can take effect. The current paradigm, which frequently places medication at the centre of diabetes management, risks missing the opportunity for true reversal and long-term well-being.

We strongly advocate for a shift in the emphasis of T2 Diabetes management in New Zealand, placing lifestyle change at its core. We encourage our colleagues to support patients in making sustainable dietary and behavioural changes, and call for greater education, resources, and structural support to facilitate this transition. We are confident that, as more clinicians witness the transformative potential of lifestyle interventions, the future of T2 Diabetes management will increasingly focus on empowering patients to reverse their condition and reclaim their health.

Dr Glen Davies FRNZCGP

NZ GP of the Year.
General Practitioner, Reversal NZ
Fellow and Board Member, Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Dr Marcus Hawkins BM BS FRNZCGP

General Practitioner, Highbrook Medical Centre, Auckland
Fellow, Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

11/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Agh9Q7Npo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Reversing type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to mean going full keto or all-meat.

For many people, simply reducing total carbohydrates is enough.

Here’s what we see again and again:

• About 70% improve and normalize blood sugar by staying under ~100g of total carbs per day
• Around 20% need a ketogenic approach
• A smaller group needs very low or near-zero carbs

There’s no single diet that works for everyone.

But every path starts with lowering the carb load that keeps blood sugar and insulin elevated.

While going all-in on keto does lead to quick results for many people, if it feels too extreme, don't let all or nothing thinking keep you from taking action.

All you need the right level of carbs for your metabolism.

Progress beats perfection.

17/12/2025

Last call for Holiday prescriptions. We're closed from Friday until 20th January! Please email us admin@reversalnz.co.nz

23/11/2025

Sharing a great read in the Journal of Metabolic Health by our talented colleague Professor Caryn Zinn. "Prediabetes’ encourages surveillance; ‘early T2D’ demands treatment"

The Journal of Metabolic Health is a peer-reviewed, clinically oriented open access journal covering advances in metabolic health and related disorders. The journal focuses on pathophysiology, prevention, management, and advancing therapy for different patient populations with metabolic health issue...

16/09/2025

Here at Reversal NZ we're politically neutral, but PRO-science.

You will have heard Dr Glen Davies speaking about the demonisation of saturated fat - and now finally the FDA are revising their guidelines. Change takes time and the food pyramid might be long overdue for a review, and this is an interesting a quick summary on why they're reviewing the guidelines.

During a press conference on Monday, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary spoke about the agency's guidelines for saturated fats.Fuel your ...

13/08/2025

One of our favorite podcasts on repeat is Mikkipedia by Mikki Williden, PhD - and last week she chatted to Dr Glen.

Listen here:

This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Glen Davies, one of New Zealand’s most vocal champions for reversing type 2 diabetes through therapeutic carbohydrate reduction.From rural general pract...

12/08/2025

Support your immunity and restore energy with personalised, targeted, effective herbal medicine 🌿

As a medical herbalist, I love creating holistic, personalised blends that support the body’s natural healing processes.

This winter, I’m offering focused 20-minute herbal consultations for acute immune support. These are ideal if you’re dealing with colds, flu, low energy, or seasonal stress.

For $59, you’ll receive a 20-minute herbal consult and a 100ml personalised herbal tincture tailored to your immune needs and recovery.

If your health picture is more complex or you've been unwell for some time, I’m also offering comprehensive initial naturopathic consultations at a reduced rate of $160. This gives us time to explore things more deeply and develop a longer-term wellness plan tailored to you.

Whether you're feeling worn down from repeated infections, recovering from illness, or simply wanting to take a more proactive approach to your health, I’m here to help. Herbal treatment is complementary and can be used safely alongside prescribed medications and other healthcare professionals.
Practicing from Reversal NZ, Taupō on Wednesdays. Bookings are now open. Email admin@reversalnz.co.nz to make an appointment.

10/08/2025

For our Taupō area locals - this would be a fascinating afternoon supporting a great cause, and hosted by one of the NZ's leading Lifestyle Medicine specialists - Dr Frances Pitsilis.

Our Events BUY TICKETS Event News Featured Tickets On Sale Hospice Awareness Week in Taupo Cake, Kōrero and Quiz in Turangi! Save the Date - Creative Carnival The Dr’s Quintet - Lake Taupō Hospice Fundraiser Second Chance Fashion Show # You are Fabulous! How you can support Fundraising...

05/08/2025

Two of the GREATS - chatting metabolic therapies in brain health.

Renowned metabolic neurologist Dr Matthew Phillips joins Prof Grant Schofield on the Prevention is Cure podcast to explore the powerful role of metabolic the...

05/08/2025

Special Treat for our Taupō clients - come and meet Jacqueline our integrative health practitioner and naturopath with a special offer just for Taupō. AND you’ll walk away with a personalised herbal tincture to get you through winter! Here's the details:

Feeling run down this winter? I’m offering focused 20-minute herbal consultations for acute immune support. These are ideal for colds, flu, low energy, or seasonal stress. You'll receive a 100 mL personalised herbal tincture crafted specifically for your needs. All for $59.

If your health needs are more complex or you’ve been feeling unwell for some time, I’m also offering comprehensive initial naturopathic consultations at a special reduced rate of $160. This allows us to explore your case in more depth and create a plan for longer-term support.

Whether you're feeling worn out from frequent infections, recovering from illness, or simply want to be more proactive about your health, I’m here to help. Treatment is complementary, and I work safely alongside prescribed medications and other health professionals. I am available to see clients in person at Reversal NZ, Taupo. I'd love to support you in moving through winter with more strength and clarity. Bookings are open now. Email admin@reversalnz.co.nz to make an appointment. This special is available for August and September.