A groundbreaking clinical study conducted by La Trobe University and published in Nature and npj Metabolic Health and Disease has demonstrated that the Defeat Diabetes Program significantly improves health outcomes for Australians with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This research provides compelling evidence supporting the adoption of carbohydrate restriction via an online app as a key strategy for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Study overview

The study is the first in Australia to examine the efficacy of a low carb dietary intervention app in managing type 2 diabetes. The research involved 99 participants who followed the doctor-led Defeat Diabetes Program, which provides education, meal plans and a support network to facilitate sustainable lifestyle changes.

Key findings from the first six months of the study include:

• 52% of participants reduced their HbA1c to non-diabetes levels, demonstrating improved blood sugar control.
• An average HbA1c reduction of 1%, lowering the risk of diabetes-related complications.
• 4.6 kg average weight loss, a key factor in improving insulin sensitivity.
• 32% of participants reduced their diabetes medications, showing the potential for deprescription.
• Systolic blood pressure reduced by 6 mmHg, benefiting cardiovascular health.
• An 85% improvement in glycaemic control and a 4.6 cm average waist circumference reduction.

Real-world validation

The La Trobe study results align closely with the findings from the Defeat Diabetes member survey conducted in 2024:

• Two in three members returned their blood glucose to non-diabetic levels.
• 60% of insulin-prescribed participants reduced or discontinued their medication.
• 85% reported improved blood glucose levels.
• 90% achieved weight loss, with an average reduction of 9 kg.

Expert endorsement and clinical implications

Professor George Moschonis, senior researcher on the study from La Trobe University, emphasised the impact of a technology-enabled low carb dietary approach: “Our findings show a strong link between a low carb intervention and improved glycaemic control, weight loss, and medication reduction. This should be considered a valuable adjunct to current medical management of type 2 diabetes.”

Dr Peter Brukner, OAM, founder of Defeat Diabetes, highlighted the study’s importance: “This is an independent validation of what Defeat Diabetes has seen with our members for years. These findings offer hope to people with T2D and reinforce that a low carb approach should be recognised as a legitimate treatment option.”

Justine Cain, CEO of Diabetes Australia, who partnered with Defeat Diabetes in 2024, echoed the significance of the findings: “This study provides a clear, evidence-based option that empowers people to take control of their health through dietary intervention. Our partnership with Defeat Diabetes is an important step toward improving diabetes management in Australia.”

The growing diabetes crisis in Australia

With over 1.5 million Australians living with diagnosed diabetes—and an estimated 500,000 more undiagnosed—effective management strategies are urgently needed. If current trends persist, diagnosed diabetes cases could reach 3.6 million by 2050.

The Defeat Diabetes Program offers an innovative, scalable and evidence-based solution to combat this crisis through personalised telehealth support and digital tools for patients and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

This landmark study reinforces that a low carb dietary approach, delivered via a digital app, is a powerful intervention for type 2 diabetes management. For healthcare professionals, these findings present an opportunity to integrate carbohydrate reduction as a primary treatment strategy, enabling patients to achieve better health outcomes and potentially reduce their dependency on medication.

The Defeat Diabetes Program provides structured support, evidence-based resources, and telehealth consultations from low carb dietitians to implement this approach effectively, ensuring patients receive sustainable and practical solutions to manage their diabetes.