Dr Peter Brukner OAM
I'm a sport and exercise medicine physician and Professor of Sports Medicine at La Trobe University in Melbourne. I've been working with athletes of all sizes, shapes and abilities for 40 years. In that time, I have worked in AFL clubs, the Australian Olympic team, the Socceroos and the Aussie cricket team as well as a stint in the UK as Head of Sports Medicine at Liverpool Football Club.
So why am I here talking to you about diabetes?
My father had type 2 diabetes and I watched as he progressively suffered many of the typical complications. I was determined not to go down the same path. A few years ago, despite eating a so-called healthy low fat diet and exercising regularly, I was significantly overweight. I had high triglyceride and insulin levels and was suffering from a fatty liver.
In other words, I was pre-diabetic.
I decided to try a low carb diet, reducing my intake of sugar and starches. After 3 months the results were incredible. I reversed all my metabolic abnormalities and lost 13 kg.
I have maintained this way of eating ever since. Every blood test comes back absolutely normal. I have no doubt that if I had not made those changes that by now I would have type 2 diabetes.
As a result of my experience and years of intense study of the relationship between diet and metabolic disease, I am passionate about the real-food way of eating that focuses on healthy proteins and fats, while limiting sugars and processed foods.