This panel offered a comprehensive exploration of reversing T2D from a GPs perspective in primary care. The session also includes the latest advancements in medication and management strategies for T2D, including the crucial aspects of deprescribing medications and the integration of new medications within a carbohydrate reduction approach. The panelists include clinicians (general practitioners), Dr David Unwin, Dr Lily Fraser, Dr Glen Davies, Dr Marcus Hawkins and Dr Olivia Currie, representing various regions in New Zealand, and the UK. These dedicated physicians share a common commitment to reversing T2D, saving costs by deprescribing medications, and reducing the likelihood of diabetes complications within their clinical practices. Each of them actively contributes to our ongoing diabetes implementation science at AUT. The panel will be facilitated by Dr Catherine Crofts, NZ Pharmacist and AUT academic and will lead the Q&A session that follows.
WholeNZ Hui
WholeNZ Hui
This hui was focused on reversing prediabetes and T2D in primary care in New Zealand using a #WholeFood, carbohydrate reduction approach.
AUT is currently conducting a 3 year research project – funded by the NZ Health Research Council (HRC). This work aims to influence the #WholePrimaryHealthCareSystem and change the way prediabetes and T2D is managed in the primary care setting. We are entering the second phase of this research where we aim to roll out the concept and programme, using GP support, health coaches and other health care professionals in primary care settings across New Zealand. This event was an opportunity to help progress and advance this important area of health care delivery.
Panel content
Panel 1
Diabetes Care from a GP's Perspective
Panel 2
The Role of Health Coaches in Type 2 Diabetes Care
This panel showcased four experienced health coaches from several regions around New Zealand. The panelists will provide insights into their integral role in the context of T2D care. Topics of discussion will encompass their integration into the healthcare system, collaborative partnerships with medical professionals, and the tangible impact they have on patient outcomes. Furthermore, the panel will delve into the measurable outcomes resulting from their interventions and address the distinct challenges inherent in enhancing diabetes care through coaching. Attendees can expect an informative session that offers valuable perspectives on the pivotal role of health coaches in the comprehensive management of T2D.
Panel 3
Transforming Healthcare Systems through Primary Healthcare Organisations (PHOs)
This panel offered insights into healthcare system transformation via PHOs. It explores the management structures and dynamics within PHOs that drive change while addressing the barriers and facilitators involved. Additionally, the panel incorporates the experiences of healthcare professionals within PHOs, providing a valuable perspective on navigating change within these organisations.
Panelists will include management speakers from key PHOs across Auckland
Panel 4
Patient Experiences of Reversing Diabetes
This panel featured three patients that have worked with the clinician and health professional team that are presenting at the event, to reverse their prediabetes or T2D. These individuals will describe the experiences of their health journey, including their successes and challenges, and insights relating to their involvement in research and in the current and future health system challenges.
Key Speakers
Dr David Unwin
Distinguished GP
Dr David Unwin
Distinguished GP
Dr David Unwin is an internationally renowned family doctor at the Norwood NHS Surgery in Southport near Liverpool, UK, for using a carbohydrate-reduction approach with his patients with prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
Jen Unwin
Clinical Psychologist
Jen Unwin
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Jen Unwin explores complex realm of carbohydrate addiction, offering psychological insights into behaviour change and our relationship with food.
Professor Caryn Zinn
Dietitian, AUT Co-director of SPRINZ (Sports Performance Research Institute NZ).
Professor Caryn Zinn
Dietitian, AUT Co-director of SPRINZ (Sports Performance Research Institute NZ).
Dr Caryn Zinn is an AUT Professor of Nutrition, and a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of clinical experience.
Professor Grant Schofield
AUT Professor of Public Health, PREKURE Chief Science Officer
Professor Grant Schofield
AUT Professor of Public Health, PREKURE Chief Science Officer
Professor Grant Schofield, Professor of Public Health at AUT is an experienced scholar and forward-thinking leader in the field of health.
Professor Paul Worley
Rural Doctor and Emeritus Professor
Professor Paul Worley
Rural Doctor and Emeritus Professor
Professor Paul Worley, an accomplished rural doctor and Emeritus Professor at Flinders University, Australia, will share insights into his research and contributions to diabetes care within rural Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Dr Glen Davies
GP of the Year
Dr Glen Davies
GP of the Year
Dr Glen Davies is a GP at Reversal NZ in Taupō and a leading advocate for lifestyle and metabolic health. He serves on the Board of the Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine (ASLM), is a PreKure Faculty member, and founded RT2D Taupō.
Dr Lily Fraser
Panellist
Dr Lily Fraser
Panellist
Dr Lily Fraser is the Clinical Director and GP at two clinics, Turuki Healthcare in Auckland, as well as Te Kāika, a kaupapa Māori organisation in Dunedin.
Dr Marcus Hawkins
Panellist
Dr Marcus Hawkins
Panellist
Dr Marcus Hawkins is a solo GP at Botany Doctor Medical Practice, Auckland; and a Royal NZ College of GPs Fellow (RNZCGPF)
Dr Olivia Currie
Panellist
Dr Olivia Currie
Panellist
Dr Olivia Currie is a lifestyle medicine and family doctor at RealHealthy Me, and Health and Sport Central in Canterbury.
Dr Catherine Crofts
Panellist
Dr Catherine Crofts
Panellist
Dr Catherine Crofts(CZ1) is an AUT Senior Lecturer, and is the Co-Director of the BioDesign Lab (AUT), and a NZ Registered Pharmacist.
Event videos
Dr David Unwin is an internationally renowned family doctor at the Norwood NHS Surgery in Southport near Liverpool, UK, for using a carbohydrate-reduction approach with his patients with prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
For the past few years, David has been a UK Royal College of General Practitioners expert clinical advisor on diabetes. As a result of his interests in both better communication with patients and Type 2 diabetes he was made Royal College of General Practice National Champion for Collaborative Care and Support Planning in Obesity & Diabetes in 2015. In 2016 he was the proud UK National winner of the NHS Innovator of The Year Award for published research into lifestyle changes; working with patients’ personal health goals as an alternative to drug therapy in type 2 diabetes –so that his GP practice spends £68,000 per year less than expected on drugs for diabetes. Dr Unwin is an advisor on Reverse Type 2 Diabetes NZ HRC research project; he will be speaking on his general practice work at this hui.