Conclusions
Results support VLCD use in AoNZ however further work to investigate ethnic differences in physiological response to VLCDs and to optimise protocols for multi-ethnic populations are required.
Results
Fifteen participants were enrolled; nine achieved 10% weight loss. In this group, mean HbA1c reduced by 4.8mmol/mol (2.4-7.1) and reverted to normoglycaemia in n=5/9; mean body weight reduced by 12.0 kg (11.0-13.1) and whole-body glucose disposal improved by 1.5 mg kgFFM-1 min-1 (0.7-2.2). Blood pressure and fasting triglycerides improved significantly. No changes in hepatic glu-cose metabolism were found. In all participants who attended completion testing, HbA1c reduced by 3.4mmol/mol (SD 3.5) and total weight by 9.0kg (SD 5.7). The intervention was highly tolerable/culturally acceptable however challenges with fulfilment of cultural obligations were described. Conclusions: Results support VLCD use in AoNZ however further work to investigate ethnic differences in physiological response to VLCDs and to optimise protocols for multi-ethnic populations are required.