Gwen Scott Grant Success stories
The Gwen Scott Grant success stories page highlights the achievements of recipients of the Gwen Scott Grant. We showcase how this annual grant has fostered innovation and success in diabetes care. You can explore inspiring stories from health professionals who have used the grant to advance their research. They develop new programs, and make a significant impact in the field of diabetes management and education. These success stories showcase the lasting impact of the Gwen Scott Grant on improving the lives of people with diabetes.
Sammie Lyne - Accredited Practising Dietitian
With the support of the Gwen Scott Grant, I was able to attend the three-day Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) on the Gold Coast in August. I have been working in the diabetes field for almost three years, and this was my first time attending the ADC.
While the Gold Coast usually promises sunshine, it was forecast to rain for all three days. Regardless, I was very excited to learn about the latest research and to have the opportunity to network with others in the field.
On the first day, I attended an interesting oral presentation session. This included a summary of the evidence from the first-in-human trial of duodenal laser technology to treat type 2 diabetes (the REGENT-1 trial). It was fascinating to hear that the duodenal laser improved time in range, postprandial hyperglycaemia, and HbA1c, with a dose-dependent response. The session also included several post-hoc analyses of the SURMOUNT trial. I learned that tirzepatide is now TGA-approved for the management of obstructive sleep apnoea, and there is evidence to suggest it may also help preserve some renal function.
The use of CGM in type 2 diabetes appeared to be a recurring theme throughout the conference. I attended a session run by Western Sydney Diabetes on their digital integrated care model for complex clients with type 2 diabetes, using CGM and virtual case conferencing with a GP, diabetes educator, dietitian, and endocrinologist. It was fascinating to hear about the positive outcomes of this service through example case studies. The power of CGM was highlighted when the dietitian spoke about how many clients had already begun making meaningful changes before their first appointment—simply from starting CGM and seeing how their lifestyle affected their glucose levels. For the most part, they are able to stabilise these complex clients within 2–3 sessions, before referring them back to the care of their GP.
Something I didn’t know much about before attending the conference was type 1 diabetes screening and the emerging evidence for immunotherapy to prevent or delay its onset. I was fascinated to learn about the work of Type 1 Screen, Breakthrough T1, and the Australasian Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy Collaborative (ATIC). There were also interesting discussions around the moral dilemma faced by parents with type 1 diabetes when deciding whether to screen their children.
Another engaging session was led by Dr Othmar Mosar. He presented on the use of the myLife YpsoPump and CamAPS AID system during exercise. His presentation included information from a recent position statement he co-authored, which provides practical steps for managing exercise with type 1 diabetes across various insulin pumps. He also discussed how fully closed-loop technology is ready, but requires the development of new, faster-acting insulins with less time on board. I look forward to sharing these guidelines with my colleagues. To round out the session, a lived experience speaker who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult shared his journey with exercise and competitive cycling after his diagnosis. He also spoke about his son’s diagnosis and how he has supported him in staying active and playing sport.
As a dietitian, I was particularly interested in the session on Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR) in type 1 diabetes. I learned that a group of doctors, dietitians, and diabetes educators have created guidelines for dietitians to support people with type 1 diabetes who wish to follow a low-carbohydrate diet. They presented evidence supporting TCR in type 1 diabetes and offered practical strategies for protein dosing, using a role-play case study. I am keen to use these guidelines to support my clients with type 1 diabetes who are interested in lower carb eating.
Overall, I loved my experience at the ADC and would be thrilled to attend again in the future. A huge thank you to Diabetes Victoria for the opportunity to attend, supported by the Gwen Scott Grant.
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Samantha Lyne
Accredited Practising Dietitian at Diabetes Victoria 2023
