Research Area
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Weight loss by low calorie diet can induce remission of T2D. However, this is challenging to achieve and maintain in the long-term due to weight regain. Our research is centred on elucidating the mechanisms by which weight loss bring about remission of diabetes in order to develop novel therapies. Obesity also alters hepatic lipid export, leading to dyslipidaemia, a key pathophysiological feature associated with the metabolic syndrome. One reason for this is increased de novo lipogenesis (DNL), a pathway whose flux is increased in fatty liver disease and T2D. We have previously demonstrated that hepatic DNL-derived fatty acids decrease after weight loss and remission of diabetes in humans and have more recently confirmed that we can replicate this in a polygenic mouse model of T2D. The lab’s primary focus is on the DNL pathway as a potential mechanism leading to elevated lipoprotein export, intrapancreatic fat deposition, loss of acinar cell mass, and beta cell dysfunction (collectively termed “pancreas lipotoxicity”).
The Edinburgh Diabetes Remission Study
The Edinburgh Diabetes Remission Study (EDRS), led by Principal Investigator Dr Ahmad Al-Mrabeh, investigates how excess fat within the pancreas contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and how targeted weight-loss interventions can reverse these changes. Building on landmark research showing that pancreatic fat reduction restores insulin-producing β-cell function, this study uses advanced magnetic resonance imaging, metabolic profiling, and stable-isotope tracing to understand the mechanisms of type 2 diabetes remission with a focus on pancreas lipotoxicity. Participants at different stages of diabetes—including non-diabetic, pre-diabetic, and early- and long-duration type 2 diabetes—will undergo a structured low-calorie weight-loss programme, detailed metabolic testing, and advanced MRI assessment. By mapping how hepatic de novo lipogenesis, lipoprotein metabolism, and pancreatic inflammation change during diabetes progression and remission, the study aims to reveal new biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could transform future prevention and treatment strategies.
​
For any enquiries, please contact edrs@ed.ac.uk
Research Team
Brian Ford
I joined the Pancreas Lipotoxicity Group (PI: Ahmad Al-Mrabeh) at the University of Edinburgh as a Research Fellow in January 2025. Previously, I worked as a Research Associate in the Glucokinase Lab (PI: Loranne Agius) at Newcastle University studying the mechanism of action of a glucokinase activator as well as running the biological assessment of small molecule glucokinase inhibitors and PROTACs targeting glucokinase. I completed a PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the CUNY Graduate Centre in New York, a MS in Biology at New York University, and a BA in Organismal Biology and Ecology at Bard College. Having accumulated a wide range of biochemical and molecular biology skills over the years, I am currently leading all lab aspects of Al-Mrabeh’s group.
​
Mary Wright
I am Senior Diabetes Research Nurse with experience delivering both pharmaceutical and academic clinical studies across NHS Lothian. Before moving to Edinburgh, I worked as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse in central London, following several years as a General Practice Nurse across multiple London boroughs, where I developed expertise in chronic disease management, patient education, and community-based diabetes care. I began my nursing career as a cardiac theatre nurse in a major London teaching hospital, a role that shaped my resilience, precision and ability to perform under pressure. I now contribute this breadth of clinical and research experience to the Edinburgh Diabetes Remission Study (EDRS), working as part of the study team on participant care, study delivery, and clinical monitoring.
​
Mary-Ann Robertson
I am a Specialist Clinical Pharmacist with NHS Lothian and a Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. My work focuses on supporting individuals living with type 2 diabetes through dietary and medication-based approaches to improve cardiometabolic health. I led the development and delivery of a pharmacotherapy service across two GP practices serving areas of high socioeconomic deprivation in Lothian. My diabetes clinic was subsequently designated a ‘Teach and Treat’ hub, supporting experiential learning for pharmacists establishing similar services.
I am a member of the Edinburgh Diabetes Remission Study (EDRS) team and interested in comparing the effectiveness of low-calorie diet and GLP1- agonists on type 2 diabetes remission.
​
Misty Wilcox
I am a PhD student at the Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC) Academy. Previously, I studied Nutrition at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, receiving an undergraduate degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition and a Master degree in Nutritional Science. I am also a registered dietitian with accreditation from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA. My doctoral project focuses on how protein intake affects type 2 diabetes management in elderly people, I also provide dietary support for the Edinburgh Diabetes Remission Study (EDRS).
Conor Clarkson
I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2025 with BS and MSc degrees from a 5-year Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry integrated programme. Afterwards, I joined the Al-Mrabeh’s group in September 2025 as an EASTBIO PhD student. My project involves molecular profiling of lipids to understand the underlying mechanisms of pancreas lipotoxicity in type 2 diabetes. It combines high-resolution mass spectrometry, spatial lipidomics, and biochemical techniques to understand how toxic lipid species contribute to beta cell dysfunction.
