Management of T2DM through lifestyle and pharmacological strategies

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 Ron Schweitzer

Dr Ron Schweitzer is an experienced Melbourne-based general practitioner with a strong focus on metabolic health, therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR), and low-carbohydrate nutrition. Since 1984, he has helped patients improve outcomes in type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and fatty liver disease by using dietary change to support weight loss, disease remission, and safe deprescribing of medications. Dr Schweitzer is known for his practical, patient-centred style of care, using tools such as continuous glucose monitoring alongside education and evidence-based advice to empower long-term lifestyle change.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Schweitzer has held academic roles as a lecturer and tutor at Monash University and is active in professional networks, including Low Carb Down Under and the Australasian Metabolic Health Society. He regularly shares his expertise at conferences and education events, where he uses real-world case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of TCR. Committed to collaborative, multidisciplinary care, Dr Schweitzer continues to advocate for nutrition-focused approaches that improve patient outcomes and support sustainable, long-term health.