Clinical case studies for metabolic dysfunction diagnosis and management

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 Deepa Mahananda

Dr Deepa Mahananda is an experienced Australian general practitioner with a special interest in metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. She is widely recognised for her innovative work integrating therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR) and ketogenic dietary approaches into the management of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic metabolic diseases. With a background in evidence-based primary care, Dr Mahananda is known for her expertise in the practical application of low-carbohydrate nutrition, medication deprescribing, and complex case management.

Dr Mahananda is highly regarded as an educator and mentor, regularly presenting at professional conferences and delivering continuing professional development (CPD) courses for health practitioners. Her teaching style combines real-world clinical case studies with a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of collaboration among GPs, dietitians, and health coaches to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Committed to patient-centred care, Dr Mahananda empowers individuals to achieve metabolic improvements through personalised dietary interventions, safe medication adjustments, and ongoing clinical monitoring. Her contributions are advancing best practice in the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction in primary care.