Q: What is Defeat Diabetes? 

A: Defeat Diabetes is an evidence-based, doctor and dietitian-led digital program which focuses on a low carb approach to improving type 2 diabetes management and a pathway for people wanting to attempt type 2 diabetes remission. 

Delivered online and via a mobile app, the program breaks down how and why low carb eating specifically benefits people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Through 13 structured modules that include videos, articles and actions, members are guided into new thinking patterns and practical tools to apply their new knowledge, with hundreds of low carb recipes and weekly plans. Members are further supported by a vibrant community of like-minded people and monthly virtual clinics with dietitians and global experts. 

Q: Where can I find out more about Defeat Diabetes and join the program? 

To learn more about Defeat Diabetes and start a free 14-day trial visit: www.defeatdiabetes.com.au/EasyLowCarb. 

There are two subscription options to choose from: 

• An annual subscription – 14 days free trial then billed annually at $129 
• 3 months – 14 days free trial then billed quarterly at $59 

Cancel any time during the trial period, and you won’t be charged. 

Q: What is low carb eating? 

A: Low carbohydrate (low carb) eating refers to diets or eating patterns that reduce carbohydrate intake. This includes carbohydrates in processed and packaged foods and drinks (cakes, lollies, chocolate, chips etc.), as well as breads, cereals, grains, starchy vegetables, some fruits and sugar. Usually, when restricting carbohydrates, people eat a higher proportion of protein and fats such as those found in meat, chicken, eggs, oily fish, avocados, nuts, oils and butter. Some people choose to bulk up meals with low carb vegetables, such as cauliflower and zucchini. In the Defeat Diabetes Program, members are encouraged to limit their carbohydrate intake to 50 grams per day. 

Q: How do I know if low carb is right for me? 

A: There is no one-size-fit-all approach to living well with diabetes. Everybody is different. And when it comes to low carb eating, there is no particular diet or standard approach. For people living with type 2 diabetes, research has shown that low carb eating is one option to help you lose weight and to assist in managing blood glucose levels. 

Low carb eating can work for some people with diabetes but not for everybody. Sudden changes to eating patterns/diet, including reduced carbohydrate intake, can cause problems for some people. This is why health professional advice and oversight is important. 

We believe that people with diabetes should make their own, informed choices about their diabetes management (including eating plans) in consultation with their diabetes healthcare team. 

Low carb eating is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with certain medical conditions or histories.  

We encourage people to read our low carb position statement to find out about low carb diets. 

Q: What other diet approaches are there to achieve weight loss? 

Diabetes Australia does not promote or encourage any single diet or eating plan or any particular “diabetes diet”. Every person with diabetes needs a personalised approach and support to have the healthiest eating plan and this may change over their lifetime with diabetes. 

Alternate approaches to low carb include: 

• A very low energy diet: Consuming 3,300 kJ per day or less. This is often achieved through total meal replacements (shakes, soups, or bars). 
• A ketogenic diet: Primarily high in fats, very low in carbohydrates, with moderate intake of proteins. The dietary macronutrients are divided into approximately 55% to 60% fat, 30% to 35% protein, and 5% to 10% carbohydrates. 
• Mediterranean diet: Largely based on plant foods and therefore includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds, wholegrains and olive oil. It also includes some dairy (milk and yogurts), lean protein like chicken, eggs and fish, in moderation. 

Q: Should I speak to my healthcare professional before I try low carb or another change to my diet? 

A: Yes. People interested in trying low carb eating to help manage their diabetes are strongly encouraged to speak with an experienced low carb dietitian, doctor or other health professional to obtain individualised dietary advice and work through an approach that is suitable for them. 

All people with any type of diabetes who wish to change their diet and lifestyle, including following a low carb eating approach, should do so in consultation with their diabetes healthcare team. People with diabetes who commence low carb eating should monitor their blood glucose levels and, if necessary, talk to their doctor about the need to adjust their diabetes medication to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose). 

Q: Will I achieve type 2 diabetes remission by adopting a low carb diet? 

A: It is important to recognise that achieving and sustaining remission may not be possible for everyone.  

Type 2 diabetes remission is defined as a sustained improvement in blood glucose where HbA1c levels remain below 6.5% (48mmol/mol) for at least 3 months after stopping glucose-lowering medications. 

For people who have overweight or obesity, remission of type 2 diabetes usually requires substantial weight loss. While any amount of weight loss is usually beneficial, people are more likely to achieve remission if they lose around 10% – 15% of their body weight. Weight loss may be achieved through intensive dietary change (e.g. very low energy diets or low carbohydrate diets) and other healthy behaviour modification, or bariatric surgery. 

People with type 2 diabetes most likely to achieve remission include those who have overweight or obesity and those who have lived with type 2 diabetes for less than five years. It is important to remember that not everyone living with type 2 diabetes has overweight or obesity. 

While remission may not be possible for everyone with type 2 diabetes, for most people, reducing both weight and HbA1c offers great improvements for health and wellbeing. 

Q: Should I speak to my healthcare professional if I’m thinking about remission? 

A: Yes. If you want to pursue diabetes remission you should do so in close consultation with your diabetes healthcare team, as intensive dietary and weight changes need careful management, monitoring and support. Defeat Diabetes recommends working with an experienced low carb healthcare professional and provides a directory of low carb doctors, dietitians and allied health providers on its website. 

Q: Does remission mean my type 2 diabetes is cured? 

Remission in type 2 diabetes is not a cure and there is not necessarily permanent reversal of the underlying cause of type 2 diabetes. Ongoing monitoring is required because glucose levels may increase again in people who are in remission. 

It is important that people who achieve type 2 diabetes remission continue the regular diabetes checks that form the Annual Cycle of Care. This includes regular HbA1c blood, kidney, diabetes eye, and blood pressure and cholesterol checks.