To test the hypothesis that by reducing caloric intake, insulin resistance and beta-cell failure can be reversed, Roy Taylor and his group measured basal hepatic glucose output, hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and pancreas and liver triacylglycerol content in a small group of patients with type 2 diabetes before and during a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD) [81]. The gene discussed is INS; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.