Diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction and T2DM

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 Alex Petruschevski

Dr Alex Petrushevski is an accomplished general practitioner based in Sydney, renowned for his expertise in metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR). A graduate with Honours from the University of Tasmania in 2008, Dr Petrushevski also holds a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a Diploma of Child Health from the University of Sydney. His early career featured clinical work and published research in cancer services across Sydney, before he shifted his focus to preventative health and primary care.

Currently, Dr Petrushevski practices both general medicine and as a director at Sydney Low Carb Specialists, a clinic dedicated to nutritional therapy for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. He is a strong advocate for using low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets to manage and reverse chronic diseases, drawing on both his extensive clinical experience and further training through the Nutrition Network. As a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners, Dr Petrushevski is committed to education and collaboration, frequently presenting at conferences and professional events to share patient success stories and the benefits of evidence-based dietary intervention. His patient-centred approach and passion for improving health outcomes without unnecessary medication continue to influence best practice in metabolic health in Australia.