2nd Edition of International Obesity and Metabolism Conference 2026

Biography

Professor Gunton is currently the President-Elect for the Endocrine Society of Australia. She is the Director of the Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Chair of Medicine at Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney.  Prof Gunton’s clinical interests include diabetes, obesity, and brittle bone disease. Her research focusses on beta-cell function, islet transplantation and the intersection of transcription factors and their regulation by nutrients including iron and Vitamin D.

Abstract

A ketogenic diet (KD) is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat dietary approach. Beyond treating neurologic disorders, KD has attracted significant media attention for its potential to improve obesity and diabetes. The diet induces a metabolic shift from glucose toward fatty acid oxidation and ketone body production. This shift leads to ketosis, which may reduce hunger, cause weight loss, and improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity.

In particular, the positive effects of KD lower insulin demand and may thereby improve β-cell function. However, the long-term efficacy, safety, and sustainability of KD, especially for diabetes, remain debated.

This talk will review the effects of ketogenesis and ketosis and the potential mechanisms underlying them, drawing on preclinical and clinical studies. It will highlight challenges and future directions for optimizing KD-based therapies.