76-year-old Mick from the Gold Coast led an active life as a NSW police officer and army reserve for more than 20 years. But after leaving the police and army reserves, his weight started to creep up, and eventually he tipped the scales at 105 kg. 

A routine trip to the doctors in 2017 led to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, but there was little explanation of his condition or the dangers of long-term type 2 diabetes. In denial, Mick continued life much as he had before until a chance encounter with a book flipped everything he knew on its head. 

Mick’s story

“After leaving the police and army reserve, I reduced exercising and started overeating and drinking beer. The kilos piled on. I've tried every diet known to mankind - 5:2, Fast 800 - but I was always hungry, and my metabolism slowed. I ended up gaining any weight I had lost.

“I had no family history of type 2 diabetes, so when I got diagnosed, I was in denial. I knew blokes who’d complain about their type 2 diabetes while drinking schooners and eating whatever they wanted, so I didn't take it seriously. I just took my metformin and carried on.”

Discovering Defeat Diabetes

“Before discovering Defeat Diabetes, I read ‘The Diabetes Code’ by Dr Jason Fung. This book was a game-changer. Dr Fung explains what type 2 diabetes is and how to manage it through diet and fasting. It was technical, and I had to read it three times to understand, but once I did, I started intermittent fasting immediately. By eating only four days a week, I lost almost 10 kg in just a few months. And I didn’t even feel hungry!

“This sparked something in me, and when I saw the Diabetes Australia newsletter with a link to the Defeat Diabetes Program, I started the free trial. After watching the lessons, I knew I would stick with it. The information and research matched Dr Fung’s, and they both reference the same science - it all made sense. I looked through the Defeat Diabetes recipes and thought, ‘Jesus, I could eat this!’ and I never looked back. I love the Cauli Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chilli Con Carne, Lamb Kofta, Biryani and Rogan Josh - there’s plenty to enjoy.

“I like everything about Defeat Diabetes. The program layout is great, and I like the combination of written articles and videos by doctors and their dietitians. They explain everything with diagrams, and visuals help things stick. I often re-read or rewatch the information to make sure I’ve got it. The support team has always been helpful when I've reached out. There’s always new content, and I constantly think, ‘This makes sense’. It’s so easy!”

A life-changing experience

“My life has improved unbelievably. I’m down to 83 kg, my HbA1c is 5.6% and I’m off metformin. I am finally in remission from type 2 diabetes. I feel more confident in my clothes and can wear my favourite old tees I never thought I’d fit into again! I sleep better and feel better mentally; even my knee replacement and sore ankle have improved significantly. I’m back living an active life and playing golf and bowls and I also ride a bike, walk, and go to the gym as I believe exercise, where possible, must accompany the program.

“The best part is how easy it is to stick to. I still fast for 36 hours three times a week, and when I go out for dinner, I try to pick something low carb. I only drink low carb beer and always choose the best lowest carb option on the menu. I can’t always be perfect, so I enjoy myself but can easily get back to low carb the next day.

“Understanding type 2 diabetes was key. Before, I knew it caused problems but didn't know how, so I didn’t believe any of the complications - heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s - would happen to me. Once I understood what causes type 2, I could do something about it.

How to start with Defeat Diabetes

“My advice to anyone considering changing their diet is to sign up for the free trial, work through the program, and revisit anything you don’t understand. Not knowing what to do is stressful, but once you know, the stress goes away. The first lesson is eye-opening but don’t pick bits out; start at the beginning. Most people don’t understand type 2 diabetes, but this program will help you. The rest is easy.

“I want to live as long as possible and be as healthy as possible while enjoying life. With Defeat Diabetes, I’m in good health and enjoying every day, and I fully expect to live at least another 20 years!”