Ann spent much of her life surrounded by books and big ideas, working as a librarian in government departments, answering complex questions for scientists and researchers. But when it came to her own health, the advice she followed for decades – low fat, high fibre, wholegrains and fruit – never brought her type 2 diabetes under control. Now 77, Ann has finally found a way to manage her blood glucose – and her peace of mind – thanks to low carb and the Defeat Diabetes Program. She’s lost 5 kg, dropped three dress sizes and brought her HbA1c down to 5.3%, well below the diabetes range.

"I was 47 when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I wasn’t feeling great, I was carrying a little too much weight, and when my best friend was diagnosed with cancer, it prompted me to get a check-up. I was shocked – I had no family history of diabetes except for my brother, and I didn’t know anything about it.

"For decades, I followed all the standard advice: low salt, low sugar, low fat. I switched to fruit instead of dessert, tried lentils and legumes, and stuck to multigrain bread. But I was always hungry – and my blood sugars just wouldn’t come down.

"I was determined to avoid insulin and dementia – those were my two biggest motivators. When I received an email from Diabetes Australia about Defeat Diabetes, I decided to give it a try. Once I joined the program, everything started to make sense.

“Dr Peter Brukner’s videos were a real turning point – they explained things in a way that finally clicked for me. I’ve always loved learning, and from there I became hungry for more information, reading books by Roy Taylor, Michael Mosley and David Perlmutter’s Grain Brain to deepen my understanding."

"My waistline shrank, the weight dropped off easily and my blood glucose improved dramatically. I used to sit between 7 and 8%. By January 2025, my HbA1c had dropped to 5.3%. My GP was shocked! I still take metformin and Jardiance, but I feel like I’m in control now – not my diabetes.

"I’ve dropped three dress sizes, and just like Michael Mosley suggested, I wear the same belt as a simple way to keep me accountable! When I go up a notch, I don’t want to loosen it – it keeps me motivated.

"Our meals are simple but filling. I start the day with Dr Brukner’s muesli with berries and yoghurt for breakfast, egg and avocado with salad for lunch, then meat and green vegetables for dinner. I also enjoy a piece of dark chocolate in the evening.

"I feel so much better in myself – I’m happier, more positive and definitely easier to live with! I walk every day, do yoga and beach exercises with weights. Retirement is busy – my husband and I joke that we work seven days a week now!

"I’ve always been interested in science and nutrition, even though my background is in history and English. As a librarian, I spent my career helping others find reliable information. But when it came to food, I feel like I was sold an atrocious diet for years. The Defeat Diabetes Program finally gave me the answers.

"My husband has always had an interest in his health and he’s fully on board – he feels better eating this way too. Friends and family have been supportive. My brother and his wife now offer cheese and nuts instead of sweet biscuits when we visit, and some friends even change our lunch venues to increase the choices we eat.

"My advice? Jump in and don’t wait. Read Dr Brukner’s books, throw out the carbs and commit. The sooner you start, the sooner you take control.

"It's hard to change habits unless you’ve got a really strong reason. For me, that was avoiding insulin and dementia – and now I feel like I’m on the right track."