Researchers in Australia are testing a new program called ‘Nra:gi Ya:yun’ (meaning ‘very good foods’) designed specifically for Aboriginal people dealing with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The program teaches participants to eat foods lower in carbohydrates while providing them with special monitors to track their blood sugar and ketones, plus meal boxes and regular check-ins with support staff. This 28-week pilot study will help researchers understand if the program works well enough to test it on a larger scale. The research is being led by and designed with Aboriginal communities, focusing on their specific health needs and cultural values.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a food-based program called ‘Nra:gi Ya:yun’ can help Aboriginal Australians manage type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome by eating lower-carbohydrate foods.
  • Who participated: Aboriginal adults aged 18 and older living in rural South Australia who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The study will recruit participants at two locations.
  • Key finding: This is a pilot study, so researchers are mainly testing whether the program is practical and whether people will stick with it. They’re measuring success by how many people sign up, stay in the program, and follow the eating plan. They’ll also track changes in blood sugar levels, weight, and other health markers.
  • What it means for you: If you’re Aboriginal and living with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, this research suggests that a culturally-designed program focusing on lower-carbohydrate foods, combined with technology and regular support, may help manage your condition. However, this is still being tested, so results aren’t final yet.

The Research Details

This study uses a ‘stepped-wedge’ design, which means different groups of participants start the program at different times over the 28-week period. Everyone goes through three phases: a control phase (where they continue their normal routine), a remission phase (where they start the new eating plan with support), and a maintenance phase (where they keep the healthy habits going). Researchers will collect information at five different time points throughout the study.

Participants will receive continuous glucose monitors (small devices that track blood sugar throughout the day) and ketone monitors (which measure a type of fuel your body makes when eating fewer carbs). They’ll also get meal boxes with prepared foods and have weekly to twice-monthly check-ins with support staff. The program combines technology, practical food support, and regular human connection.

The study also uses an Aboriginal research method called ‘yarning’—a traditional conversation-based approach to gathering information that respects Aboriginal ways of sharing knowledge and experiences.

This research approach is important because it’s designed by and for Aboriginal communities, rather than simply applying programs created for other populations. Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome affect Aboriginal Australians at much higher rates, partly due to the lasting effects of colonization. By creating a program that respects Aboriginal culture and values, researchers hope to create something that actually works for this community. The stepped-wedge design also allows researchers to see how the program works in real-world conditions before investing in a larger, more expensive study.

This is a pilot study, which means it’s a small-scale test to see if a bigger study is possible. The study has been approved by multiple ethics committees (groups that ensure research is done responsibly), including an Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee, which is important for ensuring the research respects Aboriginal rights and values. The study is registered with an official clinical trials registry, which means the researchers committed in advance to their plan and will report their findings honestly. However, because this is a pilot with a small number of participants, the results won’t be definitive—they’ll mainly show whether the program is practical and worth testing on a larger scale.

What the Results Show

This is a protocol paper, meaning it describes the plan for the study rather than reporting actual results. The researchers haven’t yet completed the study or collected the main findings. However, the primary goal is to determine if the ‘Nra:gi Ya:yun’ program is feasible—meaning they’ll measure whether enough people sign up, whether they stay in the program, and whether they actually follow the eating plan.

The study will also look at practical factors like how much money participants spend on food out of their own pockets and whether the program affects their pharmaceutical costs (medicines they need to buy). These measurements will help researchers understand if the program is practical and affordable for participants.

Secondary measurements will include clinical health markers like blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels. These will give early hints about whether the program might help improve metabolic health, though the pilot study isn’t designed to prove this definitively.

Beyond the main feasibility measures, researchers will examine changes in participants’ blood sugar control using continuous monitors and blood tests. They’ll also track weight and waist circumference, which are important indicators of metabolic health. The study will measure ketone levels (a sign that the body is using fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates) to see if participants are actually following the low-carbohydrate eating plan. Additionally, qualitative interviews using the yarning method will capture participants’ experiences, challenges, and what they found helpful about the program.

Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome programs have been tested in many populations, but few have been specifically designed with and for Aboriginal Australians. Most existing programs don’t account for the unique cultural, historical, and social factors affecting Aboriginal health. This study is part of a growing movement toward ‘strengths-based’ approaches that build on Aboriginal communities’ existing knowledge and values rather than imposing outside solutions. The use of continuous glucose monitors and ketone monitors is relatively newer technology that allows for more precise tracking than older methods.

This is a pilot study with a small number of participants, so results won’t prove whether the program works—they’ll mainly show if it’s practical. The study doesn’t have a comparison group receiving standard care, which means researchers can’t definitively say the program is better than other treatments. The 28-week timeframe is relatively short for seeing long-term health changes. Additionally, because participants know they’re in a study and receiving special attention, they might follow the program better than they would in regular life. The study is limited to two rural locations in South Australia, so results might not apply to Aboriginal people in other regions or urban areas.

The Bottom Line

This is a pilot study, so it’s too early for strong recommendations. However, if you’re Aboriginal and living with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, this research suggests that a culturally-designed program combining lower-carbohydrate eating, technology support, and regular check-ins may be worth exploring—especially if it becomes available in your area. Talk with your doctor about whether reducing carbohydrates might be appropriate for your situation. The confidence level is low to moderate because this is still being tested.

This research is most relevant for Aboriginal Australians living with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. It’s also important for healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health officials working with Aboriginal communities. Healthcare researchers interested in culturally-appropriate health programs should also pay attention. This research is less directly relevant for people without diabetes or metabolic syndrome, though the approach of designing programs with communities rather than for them has broader applications.

This is a 28-week pilot study, so researchers won’t have final results for several months. Even after the pilot is complete, it will take additional time to analyze the data and publish findings. If the pilot is successful, a larger study would likely take 1-2 years or more. Real health changes from dietary modifications typically take 3-6 months to become noticeable, though blood sugar improvements can happen faster.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily carbohydrate intake (grams of carbs per meal) and blood sugar readings if you have a glucose monitor. Record this daily in a simple log or app, aiming to see patterns over weekly periods rather than day-to-day fluctuations.
  • Start by identifying and replacing one high-carbohydrate food you eat regularly with a lower-carbohydrate alternative. For example, swap regular bread for whole grain or vegetable-based options. Use the app to log this change and track how you feel over the following week.
  • Set weekly check-in reminders to review your carbohydrate intake and blood sugar patterns. Every two weeks, assess whether you’re noticing changes in energy levels, hunger, or how you feel. Share these observations with your healthcare provider during regular appointments to adjust the plan as needed.

This article describes a research protocol (study plan) rather than completed research results. The ‘Nra:gi Ya:yun’ program is still being tested and hasn’t been proven effective yet. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you have type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, consult with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your diet or medication. The findings from this pilot study may not apply to all Aboriginal communities or individuals. Always work with qualified healthcare professionals when managing diabetes or metabolic conditions.