Defeat Diabetes has commissioned a clinical research study on how the use of a smartphone app can help patients manage their type 2 diabetes. La Trobe University is investigating the effects of using the Defeat Diabetes app to implement a low carb diet and lifestyle changes to improve glycaemic control over a 12-month period.

The participants are nominated by their GPs, who also monitor their bio-markers over the course of the research period.  Below is the case study of research participant Mr D. 

Background

• Male 72 years old
• Retired teacher
• Caucasian background
• Type 2 diabetes diagnosed in 2005
• Other medical history: Hypertension, coronary artery disease requiring stenting 2005, renal impairment due to NSAID injury 2016, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease 2021
• Medications: Cartia 100mg daily, Empagliflozin/Metformin 5/500mg one daily, Semaglutide 1mg SC weekly Rosuvastatin 10mg daily, Ezetimide 10mg daily, Telmisartan 40mg daily, Esomeprazole 20mg daily

Started on LCHF diet on 9/2/23 as diabetes was poorly controlled and had not been able to get a supply of semaglutide on a regular basis. Empaglifolazin was ceased on initiation of LCHF diet.

Over the next 6 months, the following medication was de-prescribed on review: 

• Telmisartan reduced to 40mg daily and likely to cease on the next review
• Esomeprazole 20mg daily ceased – GORD has resolved
• Ezetimide 10mg daily ceased – cholesterol was well within targets ranges
• Semaglutide 1mg SC weekly- unavailable

Summarising the main benefits:

• Improved HBA1C
• Improved GFR
• Weight loss
• 4 Medications ceased and money saved!