Can a low-carbohydrate high-protein diet improve symptoms of diabetes in patients with Type 2 diabetes?

This study compared two different diets to determine which improved symptoms of diabetes and overall health in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The authors concluded that the LCHP diet was better at reducing blood sugar levels, insulin levels, cholesterol, and fat levels compared to the CD diet.

One of the main goals of treatment for T2D is to lower blood glucose levels. Patients are often advised to follow a diet to improve blood glucose control and promote weight loss. The conventional diet (CD) is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. This diet is generally effective for reducing weight, but not blood glucose levels. 

Research has suggested that diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein (LCHP) can help lower blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, the results have been unclear as to which diet is more effective. Whether the LCHP diet is more effective than the CD diet for patients with T2D remains under investigation.

This study had 28 patients with T2D. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consumed an LCHP diet for 6 weeks, followed by a CD diet for 6 weeks. The second group consumed a CD diet for 6 weeks followed by an LCHP diet for 6 weeks. The LCHP diet consisted of 30% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 40% fat. The CD diet consisted of 50% carbohydrates, 17% protein, and 33% fat.

The LCHP diet reduced HbA1c (average blood glucose over the past 3 months) levels by 0.6%, and the CD diet reduced levels by 0.1%. The LCHP diet reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 0.71 mmol/L, and the CD diet increased levels by 0.03 mmol/L. After a meal, insulin levels were 8% lower when patients consumed the LCHP diet compared to the CD diet.

Liver and pancreas fat levels can impact the health of patients. The LCHP diet reduced liver fat by 2.4% and pancreatic fat by 1.7%. However, the CD diet increased liver fat by 0.2% and pancreatic fat by 0.5%. 

Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can impact heart health and overall health. The LCHP diet reduced total cholesterol by 0.4 mmol/L while the CD diet had no effect. The LCHP diet decreased triglycerides by 0.43 mmol/L while the CD diet increased levels by 0.12 mmol/L.

No differences in insulin resistance, body weight, and blood pressure were observed. However, 4 patients in the LCHP group experienced constipation. This may be due to lower fiber content in the diet.

This study concluded that the LCHP diet is better than the CD diet at reducing blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and fat and cholesterol levels in patients with T2D. However, this diet can increase constipation.

In the study, patients' diets were highly controlled, which may not be realistic for other patients. This study also had a very small number of patients and a short duration. High protein diets may not be suitable for patients with kidney disease.

Talk to your doctor about different diets that may help improve symptoms of diabetes and your overall health.