Raelene had a typical childhood in rural Victoria, playing all the usual sports kids love, like netball and tennis, but despite being active, she was always prone to extra weight. Now a busy mum of two with a full-time job and running a hobby farm full of animals, she spent many years trying every diet under the sun to lose weight. Like many, she yo-yo dieted,  but her journey took a transformative turn when she joined the Defeat Diabetes Program in July 2024. Since then, she’s lost 8 kg, reduced her HbA1c from 7.7% to 5.6%, and, most importantly, has a new lease on life.

“I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember, I was always the chubby kid. I gained 40 kg with my first pregnancy and was diagnosed with pre-diabetes before falling pregnant with our second child. 

“I first tried low carb during COVID, and had great success throughout 2021. However, it crept back on throughout 2022 and 2023; I just didn’t know how to make things ‘stick’.

“In 2024, I ended up in the emergency department with vision problems. I ended up staying in hospital for eight nights and coming home with five different medications. It turns out that the vision problem was papilledema caused by high blood pressure. I was lucky not to have a stroke.

“It was a turning point. I realised I needed to take control of my health. I had always known about low carb, but actually doing it consistently in real life was the problem. I felt like I had tried all the other programs, but in July 2024, I joined Defeat Diabetes after seeing Dr Peter Brukner speak at a conference. At the same time, I teamed up with psychotherapist Natalie West, who was also at the same conference. 

“I really love the Defeat Diabetes training videos; I binge-watched all of them. They explain the science in a simple and easy way. I also love the webinars and will often listen as I’m out walking. I loved the one with Dr David Unwin. If only every GP did what he did, our little town would be transformed!

“Following the Defeat Diabetes Program, I felt the shift in my health pretty quickly. One week into low carb, my blood pressure was lower. Two weeks in, and my medication was reduced. It was nuts!”

“Now, three months after starting, many of my previous health issues have disappeared—no more heartburn, IBS, eczema, or sleep apnoea. My kidney function is back to normal, and my papilledema has been halved. My energy levels are through the roof, and I’ve lost 8 kg and 12 cm off my waist. 

“It’s so important, though, that people realise their other health issues can turn around before they see changes on the scale. 

“I’m also way more active, walking every morning with my mother-in-law to watch the sunrise. At first, I didn’t want to go; I saw it as a chore. But now, I’m grumpy if I don’t get my walk in. I’m healthier, and my family is healthier, too.

“We live on a farm, with our veggie patch and orchard, so I keep our meals pretty simple. I eat lots of homegrown eggs and vegetables, beef and lamb purchased directly from the farmer. We love roast lamb with what veggies we have growing seasoned with butter and salt for dinner. For breakfast, I love steak. I tell my kids, ‘There’s nothing wrong with having dinner for breakfast!’.

“My GP was astounded by my latest results, and he’s really supportive of the changes I’ve made. I want him to join the Defeat Diabetes professional program.

“For anyone sitting on the fence about low carb, just do it. Defeat Diabetes is a great starting point with all the foundational information you need. 

“Choose your hard. It’s far harder to be overweight and sick than to make a few small changes to your diet and lifestyle. Just make one tweak a week.”