Metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes - RACGP

By completing this course, health professionals will be able to:

Define insulin resistance and its central role in metabolic disease, recognising its strong association with chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Explain the mechanisms underpinning insulin resistance, including impaired insulin receptor function at the cellular level, the role of excess carbohydrate and fructose intake and the impact of lipid raft disruption in cell membranes.
Interpret clinical markers of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, such as elevated fasting insulin, glucose intolerance and patterns of fat distribution.
Evaluate current evidence on dietary interventions for metabolic health, including the superiority of low carbohydrate diets over low-fat approaches in randomised controlled trials for weight loss, glycaemic control and energy expenditure.
Discuss the impacts of specific dietary components—notably carbohydrates, sugars, and seed oils—on metabolic pathways, de novo lipogenesis, and the formation of harmful lipids such as ceramides.
Critically assess common dietary myths, including claims relating to the “necessity” of dietary carbohydrate for brain function and the role of saturated fat in insulin resistance.
Summarise evidence relating to seed oils and health, including their documented effects on risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and the mechanism by which phytosterols may contribute to insulin resistance.
Identify the interconnectedness of metabolic disease and other pathologies, including immune dysfunction, mental health disorders and thyroid disturbances.
Apply practical advice for dietary change, including the benefits of restricting ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and seed oils to improve metabolic outcomes.
Reflect on historical and contemporary research, including studies involving dietary change in different populations, to inform current best practice in the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes.

These outcomes are designed to equip health professionals with critical understanding and practical strategies to address metabolic dysfunction through evidence-based dietary interventions and informed clinical decision-making.

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About Dr Paul Mason

Dr Paul Mason is a leading Sydney-based sports and exercise medicine physician recognised for his expertise in metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR). After obtaining his medical degree with honours from the University of Sydney, Dr Mason went on to complete further qualifications in physiotherapy and occupational health, followed by Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. His clinical practice spans both general population and elite athletes, with a focus on integrating evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies to prevent and manage chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

Dr Mason is renowned for his advocacy of low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, paleolithic, and carnivore diets as effective medical nutrition therapies. Since 2011, he has devoted himself to analysing scientific literature on carbohydrate reduction and has achieved notable success treating patients with metabolic and arthritic conditions. As Chief Medical Officer of Defeat Diabetes, he plays a key role in advancing doctor-led, low-carbohydrate programs to support diabetes remission and better metabolic outcomes. He is also a sought-after speaker, regularly presenting at national and international conferences, where he emphasises empowering patients through education, supporting safe medication withdrawal, and using pragmatic, patient-centred approaches to long-term dietary change.