7 min read

I have type 2 diabetes. Now what?

Diabetes is Australia’s fastest-growing epidemic. More than 120,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year alone, and incidences of type 2 diabetes are occurring younger than ever before.

Once thought to be progressive disease, we now know that in many cases, type 2 diabetes can be sent into remission.

State of play of type 2 diabetes in Australia Defeat Diabetes

I’m at risk of type 2 diabetes. What can I do to prevent it?

Two million Australians are living with pre-diabetes. Without proper lifestyle changes, they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. With this number on the rise in both adults and children, now is the time for Australians to take control of their health. The good news is that pre-diabetes can be prevented.

Getting regular exercise, eating a healthy fat, high protein and low carb diet, has been proven to reduce your risks of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

I’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What now?

Often, medication is the first resort for many diagnosed with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, simple, effective changes to diet can be overlooked as part of the overall healthcare plan.

Defeat Diabetes is proud to be Australia's first doctor-led, evidence-based program to transform the lives of those with type 2 diabetes through a carbohydrate-restricted diet. The program provides affordable and practical access to information to help those with pre and type 2 diabetes make informed decisions about their diet.

The Defeat Diabetes Program offers:

doctor and dietitian-led lessons
video masterclasses
cooking demonstrations
explanatory articles
recipes and meal plans
exclusive access to members-only events with leading medical professionals.

Who plays a role in diabetes care in Australia?

Australia has many peak bodies that play an important part in helping people with type 2 diabetes understand how to manage their condition and avoid life-threatening complications.

Let’s take a look at the leading organisations.

Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national body for people affected by all types of diabetes, as well as those at risk. They work in partnership with diabetes health professionals and educators, researchers and healthcare providers to minimise the impact of diabetes for the patient and the Australian community.

Diabetes Australia offer:

assistance with administering the NDSS and advocating on issues impacting diabetes in Australia.
funding towards the research of diabetes, including prevention, management and cure for diabetes.
practical assistance, information on prevention and management, and subsidised diabetes products.
local support groups for people living with diabetes.

Website: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/

State and territory level diabetes organisations

Each state and territory diabetes organisation is a non-government, community-based organisation. They each provide management, detection and prevention of all types of diabetes and provide ongoing support for people with diabetes and their families and carers.

State and territory organisations include:

Community organisations and program

There are many diabetes community organisations working at the local level to provide care and education. While each program may be tailored specifically to suit the needs of their particular community, the goal of these programs is to offer support and help people learn to manage their condition and prevent serious complications.

This may include support such as:

specialist clinical care
care planning
access to diabetes nurse educators and endocrinology specialists
medication and insulin monitoring
general lifestyle advice.

Examples of community organisations include:

Tip: Ask your GP if they know of any community-based diabetes programs in your area.

National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government administered with the assistance of Diabetes Australia. Registration with NDSS is free, and services of the NDSS are accessed through ‘access points’, usually community pharmacies or your state-level diabetes organisation.

The NDSS aims to:

enhance the capacity of people living with diabetes to understand and self-manage their diabetes
provide access services, support and subsidised diabetes products.

Website: www.ndss.com.au

Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA)

The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), is a national peak body for diabetes education, management and care in Australia. ADEA members are healthcare professionals (diabetes educators) committed to providing evidence-based diabetes education for all people living with, at risk of, or affected by diabetes, to ensure their optimal health and wellbeing.

The mission of the ADEA is to support, promote and empower members and lead and advocate for person-centred diabetes education and care.

Website: www.adea.com.au

The Australian Diabetes Society (ADS)

The Australian Diabetes Society is the expert organisation in Australia on medical and scientific matters related to diabetes. It conducts medical and scientific research into the advancement of diabetes care.

The overall goals of the ADS are to:

to provide optimum care for people with diabetes
research methods for curing diabetes and preventing those at risk from developing diabetes.

Website: wwww.diabetessociety.com.au

Private Health Insurers

In Australia, private health insurance allows you to be treated in a hospital as a private patient. It can also help pay for health care costs that Medicare doesn't cover.

When choosing private health insurance you should consider what additional services and treatments are covered. How much and what is covered depends on your policy.

The types of healthcare that may be covered in your policy include:

Visits to credentialled diabetes educators
Allied health professionals such as podiatrists, dietitians and exercise physiologists
Glucose monitors
Insulin pumps.

We recommend talking to a number of providers to find the best policy for you.

Private programs

Privately run programs in Australia are helping to change the way Australians view type 2 diabetes.

Privately run programs are often run by health professionals who are often able to act on emerging diabetes-related science faster than some of the peak bodies.

Defeat Diabetes

Defeat Diabetes is a privately run program, founded by Dr Peter Brukner, that focuses on carbohydrate-restriction to send type 2 diabetes into remission. The program has helped 63% of members into remission through its app-based program.

The program relies on robust, gold-standard science and the Defeat Diabetes Medical Advisory Panel, an unpaid group of passionate low carb health professionals to bring the latest emerging science to members.

Blood glucose trackers / diary

There are many mobile apps which offer the ability to track your blood glucose, A1c, food, medication and exercise over time. Using a tracker or diary can be a handy way to monitor the impact of your efforts and also offers an easy way to deliver data directly to your health care team.

Carb counters / carb scanner

Counting carbohydrates can help track the carbs in your meals and drinks, and better understand the impact carbohydrates have on your body. Carb counters or scanners are usually delivered via a mobile app. These types of apps contain a database where common foods can be selected, or you may have the option to manually enter the nutritional details of your food.

Other professionals who may play a role in your diabetes care and education:

Your general practitioner
An endocrinologist (diabetes specialist)
A credentialled diabetes educator or diabetes nurse practitioner
An accredited practising dietitian
An accredited exercise physiologist
A registered podiatrist
A counsellor, social worker or psychologist

In summary

For those at risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, managing your condition is a collaborative effort involving yourself, your family and loved ones and your team of health professionals.

If you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes, the most effective thing you can do for your health is to take preventative steps to avoid developing type 2 diabetes.

There's now substantial evidence to suggest people can put their pre- and type 2 diabetes into remission, with much of the research pointing towards the efficacy of carbohydrate restriction (i.e. low carb or ketogenic diet) - including the Defeat Diabetes Program results!

Join the leading evidence-based, doctor-led program transforming the health of Australians. Start your free trial today.