Hands-on advice for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction in 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 Kate Oetsch APD

Kate Oetsch is an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) based in Sydney, known for her expertise in metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction (TCR). She completed her dietetics degree at the University of Wollongong after nearly a decade working as a school teacher, following her growing passion for nutrition and its role in lifestyle disease prevention. Kate also holds qualifications as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, which further inform her holistic, practical approach to patient care.

Kate works at Sydney Low Carb Specialists, an innovative multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to evidence-based nutritional interventions, including low-carbohydrate and ketogenic strategies for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. In this role, she collaborates closely with doctors, health coaches, and exercise physiologists to help patients achieve meaningful improvements in metabolic health through tailored dietary guidance, monitoring, and long-term support.

She is recognised for her patient-focused approach, providing education and support in a manner that is accessible and empathetic. Through both one-on-one and team-based care, Kate empowers individuals to adopt sustainable dietary changes, overcome challenges of low carbohydrate eating, and pursue improved health outcomes beyond medication. Kate is also active in the professional community and maintains an interest in research, currently undertaking doctoral studies related to low carbohydrate nutrition. Her practice is underpinned by a commitment to translating the latest scientific evidence into real-world strategies for prevention and management of chronic metabolic diseases.