Ginger-soy beef skewers with zucchini noodle salad image
Ginger-soy beef skewers with zucchini noodle salad: one of the many tasty low-carb diet options
The obesity epidemic in Australia is resulting in an alarming increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
Approximately 1 million Australian adults have type 2 diabetes and it is estimated over 2 million people are pre-diabetic and are at high risk of developing this disease.
That’s around 13 per cent of our entire population! It’s easy to see why our health researchers have made it a priority to discover better ways to prevent and manage this serious disease.
To better understand the importance of diet when managing type 2 diabetes, we undertook one of the largest and complex diet and lifestyle intervention studies in Australia, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia.
The two year study compared different dietary approaches for managing type 2 diabetes: a low carbohydrate, high protein, high healthy fat diet and a traditional high-unrefined carbohydrate, low fat diet. All participants also participated in a supervised exercise program.
Significant results
One of the most significant findings for those people who followed the low carbohydrate diet was a staggering 40 per cent reduction in the amount of diabetes medication they required, twice as effective as the high carbohydrate, low fat diet. The low carbohydrate diet was also three times more effective at reducing blood glucose spikes across the day.
The results of the study is creating a paradigm shift in our thinking about how we should manage type 2 diabetes.
For the millions of Australians who are overweight and have or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, this study could make a real difference to the diet and lifestyle decisions they make.
We are working hard to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the science and benefits behind the low carbohydrate diet – so we’ve developed the CSIRO Low-Carb Diet book. The book provides an easy to follow, structured meal plans including recipes, clear descriptions of low-carb versus high-carb foods, shopping lists and a complete exercise plan.
1st March 2017 at 11:45 pm
I have Type 2 diabetes for 21 years now (I’m aged 70 years). I’ve been on a diet like this for about 8 years, with the blessing of my Dietician, who has Type 1 diabetes. I’m on tablets and find that it works really well and enabled me to reduce my dosage after swapping from the high carb/ low fat diet I was on for years. I’m really looking forward to getting this new book. Thank you CSIRO.
4th September 2019 at 2:27 pm
Hi Val, from time to time we like to check in with people who have contacted us to see how they are doing on the diet, and if they reached their goals. We’d love to know if you’re still on a low carb diet and enjoying the health benefits. If you’re interested in giving us an update we’d be thrilled to speak with you. Please email our Health and Biosecurity Communication Manager Asaesja if you’d like to share more of your story: socialmedia@csiro.au
Kind regards,
Kashmi
CSIRO Social Media Team
1st March 2017 at 11:38 am
Why is CSIRO still scared of saturated fats?
4th March 2017 at 3:02 pm
I would guess that CSIRO are trying to placate the Dieticians Association of Australia. If they recommended a proper LCHF diet, the DAA would shot them down. This book is a compromise, they are including grains and reduced fat dairy, as the DAA know what is best for us!
1st March 2017 at 8:30 am
Was diagnosed with pre diabetes 6 months ago, put straight on a small meal portion low carb diet. I’ve lost almost 10kg, and blood sugar is back down below 6. Even when I occasionally pig out and go to 7 or 8, it’s back down the next day. Still watching it closely, but down to minimal meds and hoping to get off them altogether in the next 6 months.
28th February 2017 at 11:41 pm
Have just bought and read through the new book. Love it. Anyway I can get the kilojoules for each meal?
28th February 2017 at 1:03 pm
Hallelujah! Been eating low carb for 2 years. Never been healthier. No meds. Stable blood glucose – no highs no lows – just huge amounts of energy and enjoying life. And the other good thing – lost a massive amount of weight! I love life!
4th September 2019 at 2:35 pm
Hi Karen, from time to time we like to check in with people who have contacted us to see how they are doing on the diet, and if they reached their goals. We’d love to know if you’re still loving life and enjoying the health benefits of a low carb diet. If you’re interested in giving us an update we’d be thrilled to speak with you. Please email our Health and Biosecurity Communication Manager Asaesja if you’d like to share more of your story: socialmedia@csiro.au
Kind regards,
Kashmi
CSIRO Social Media Team