Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic conditions worldwide, outpacing even heart disease and cancer. In 2024, diabetes caused 3.4 million deaths—1 every 9 seconds—making it a true global epidemic. One Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every 5 minutes, and around 1.3 million people are living with the disease. New Zealand has seen a 90% increase in the number of diabetes cases, and numbers continue to climb with more than 340,000 people affected.

Robust evidence supports whole‑food, plant‑based and plant‑rich dietary patterns—rich in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables—for diabetes prevention, improved glycaemic control, and remission in some cohorts, often outperforming standard dietary approaches in randomised controlled trials.

Nutrition and lifestyle interventions are pivotal for preventing, managing, and in some cases reversing type 2 diabetes. Australian and New Zealand GPs recognise the importance of nutrition counselling but report barriers beyond training.

This webinar will provide GPs with vital information on how an eating pattern focused on whole plant foods and other lifestyle interventions can reduce their patients’ risk of developing diabetes.

By the end of this activity, attendees will be able to:

• Describe two ways in which dietary and lifestyle choices affect key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk and progression.
• Identify at least three evidence‑based lifestyle interventions that can prevent, improve, or potentially reverse insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Recall specific evidence‑based resources and tools to support patients in adopting dietary habits that reduce insulin resistance and improve glycaemic control.