Diabetes Australia is partnering with Defeat Diabetes to support people living with, and at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes.
Defeat Diabetes is a program that supports people who want to manage their body weight and glucose levels, and work towards remission of type 2 diabetes by adopting a low carb diet.
Diabetes Australia Acting Group CEO, Taryn Black, said Diabetes Australia is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with diabetes and those at risk.
"For people living with type 2 diabetes, weight loss, improved blood glucose levels and remission can be life changing.
"We are committed to supporting people to choose options for attempting weight loss including very low energy or low and very low carbohydrate diets, based on individual needs and the advice of their health professionals," Ms Black said.
The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021-30 has highlighted the need to consider offering more intensive dietary interventions including total diet replacement followed by stepped food introduction and low carbohydrate diets to people living with type 2 diabetes aiming for remission.
"Even without entering remission, having lower glucose levels is beneficial for people living with diabetes," Ms Black said.
"We encourage people with type 2 diabetes who might be interested in low carb diets, and wish to determine the best approach for them, to have a discussion with their healthcare team.
"Intensive support and resources are required to make and sustain lifestyle changes. Defeat Diabetes is a low carb program that offers comprehensive support, education and information," Ms Black said.
The Defeat Diabetes Low Carb Program has supported more than 9,500 members living with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, many of whom have had the condition for 20 years or more.
Bill G undertook the program and lost almost 17kg in four months and saw his Hba1c level reduce from 8% to 6.2%.
"Having struggled with type 2 diabetes for 20 years, to achieve remission is a huge accomplishment for me," Bill said.
Defeat Diabetes founder Dr Peter Brukner OAM said the results are encouraging.
"Defeat Diabetes is giving thousands of Australians the opportunity to improve blood glucose levels and achieve type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes remission," Dr Brukner said.
The online doctor-led program uses a simple evidence-based approach to safely modify diet in a way that is affordable, sustainable and enjoyable.
The program has achieved significant results, with a survey of 700 members conducted by Defeat Diabetes reporting that:
- 2 in 3 members returned their glycaemic control to non-diabetes levels
- 41% of people reported reducing or discontinuing diabetes medication
- 88% reported improved blood glucose levels
- 92% of people achieved an average weight loss of 8kg
"There is substantial evidence that a diet based on real, natural food that's low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats can halt and send type 2 diabetes into remission," Dr Brukner said.
Dr Anita Lowe, a Townsville GP, has used the program with her patients.
"In January 2023, I recalled people in my care living with type 2 diabetes with a new weight-loss approach. I used Defeat Diabetes and revised care plans. My patients lost on average 3-4 kg in the first month, and 58% now have an improved HbA1c of less than 6.5%," Dr Lowe said.
Defeat Diabetes has partnered with La Trobe University to undertake a clinical study of the program's efficacy, with preliminary results due in autumn.
"Similar programs overseas are showing positive results in clinical trials. Preliminary data indicates that the Defeat Diabetes Low Carb Program can improve blood glucose, reduce medications, and achieve weight loss and sustained remission from type 2 diabetes," Dr Brukner said,
"We're delighted to partner with Diabetes Australia and reach more people who might benefit from a low carb approach to type 2 diabetes management and remission."
The funded partnership with Defeat Diabetes follows Diabetes Australia's recent research on a low calorie approach to achieve remission through the DiRECT-Aus study, in partnership with the University of Sydney and five Primary Health Networks.
"This new partnership with Defeat Diabetes is an important next step in promoting pathways to remission and supporting people who want to manage their condition through lifestyle changes," Ms Black said.
Diabetes Australia has also recently announced the appointment of Professor Grant Brinkworth as the inaugural Director of Research, bringing further expertise in this area to the organisation.
"Professor Brinkworth is a leading researcher of low carbohydrate dietary approaches and how they can support people at risk of and living with diabetes, so his knowledge will be incredibly beneficial as we continue to explore opportunities to support anyone who wants to attempt to achieve type 2 diabetes remission," Ms Black said.
