Nutrition is a fundamental part of type 2 diabetes management, yet many patients struggle to meet dietary recommendations in everyday life.

In this interview, Brisbane GP Dr Anita Sharma joins Dr Ginni Mansberg to discuss the role of diabetes-specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs) as part of a broader diabetes management plan. We introduce a new 3-step clinical practice framework to help GPs assess patient suitability, tailor the approach and monitor progress.

We also explore practical considerations for incorporating DSNFs alongside glucose-lowering therapies, including SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a focus on glycaemic management, weight, nutritional intake and preservation of lean muscle mass.

Dietary Challenges in T2D Miniseries (Part 5)

GLP-1 receptor agonists have transformed type 2 diabetes management, delivering substantial weight loss and cardiovascular benefits.

But with growing use comes an emerging concern: accelerated muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies in some patients.

In this expert discussion we explore the evidence, outline at-risk groups, and share practical strategies, including the role of DSNFs, to help GPs protect muscle health, optimise nutrition, and maintain patient function while on GLP-1 therapy.

Dietary Challenges in T2D Miniseries (Part 4): Struggling to keep up with the latest in type 2 diabetes management? The RACGP’s updated Management of Type 2 Diabetes Handbook introduces key changes – including new guidance on diabetes-specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs).

In this episode we discuss where DSNFs fit into clinical practice. Gain practical insights on how to integrate these evidence-based formulas into patient care – helping to optimise blood glucose control, support weight management, and preserve muscle mass. Listen now to stay ahead of the latest updates in diabetes care.

Welcome to part-3 of our miniseries, Dietary Challenges in Type 2 Diabetes.

This series on type 2 diabetes management has aimed to help Australian general practitioners manage the dietary challenges faced by people with diabetes.

Our first interview highlighted some of these challenges and gave us practical nutritional management tips from Diabetes Australia, while our second podcast outlined the now published Consensus Statement on the use of diabetes-specific nutritional formulas in people with type 2 diabetes.

In our third interview, we discuss three real-world case studies to demonstrate how these practical tips and consensus recommendations can work in practice.

Welcome to part-2 of our miniseries, Dietary Challenges in Type 2 Diabetes.

Whilst a healthy diet based on wholefoods is recommended in the management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), less than half of individuals with T2D are able to adhere to dietary recommendations.

Diabetes Specific Nutritional Formulas (DSNFs) can be used when adherence to a healthy diet is not always possible, and there is a growing body of evidence supporting the use of DSNFs for improving blood glucose levels, HbA1c, glycaemic variability, and other health benefits in patients with T2D.

In this interview we talk through a soon to be published Consensus Statement on ‘The Use of Diabetes Specific Nutritional Formulas in Type 2 Diabetes’.

Welcome to part-1 of our miniseries, Dietary Challenges in Type 2 Diabetes.

Improving dietary behaviour is a cornerstone in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but for many it can be a significant challenge.

Unsurprisingly, when people are first diagnosed with diabetes, adherence to dietary recommendations is at an all-time high. But over time, dietary adherence drops off, and research suggests that less than half of people continue with dietary recommendations for diabetes.

In this interview we discuss the hurdles to dietary adherence in T2D and how to overcome them.