In a nutshell
This study examined whether a low calorie diet is effective in obese patients with type 2 diabetes receiving different insulin treatments. The authors concluded that a low calorie diet leads to weight reduction and improves control of blood glucose levels regardless of insulin treatment.
Some background
Obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are encouraged to lose weight in order to reduce the risk of complications and mortality. T2D patients may receive insulin (hormone which lowers blood glucose levels) treatment. Conventional insulin therapy (CIT) involves 2 or 3 insulin injections each day. Intensive insulin therapy (IIT) requires 4 insulin injections each day. As more insulin injections are associated with weight gain and a higher risk of low blood glucose, CIT may be more beneficial than IIT. However, the effect of a low calorie diet on body weight in patients receiving different insulin treatments is unknown.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of diet in T2D obese patients receiving ITT or CIT. This study involved 2 groups. 30 patients received CIT while 30 patients received IIT.
Patients maintained an 1800 kilocalorie diet for 1 year. Body weight and HbA1c levels (average blood glucose levels over 3 months) were measured at 6 months and 12 months.
Both groups of patients saw significant reductions in body weight and HbA1c. The reduction in body weight was greater among patients receiving CIT (4.8 kg) compared to IIT (4.5 kg). Patients who received CIT experienced a reduction in body weight greater than 8%. Fewer patients who received CIT were obese at the end of the study.
IIT was associated with greater improvements in blood glucose levels. However, blood glucose improved 11-fold in CIT patients who had greater than 5% reduction in body weight
The bottom line
This study concluded that a low calorie diet leads to weight reduction and improve BGL control in obese T2D patients. These improvements do not depend on the patient’s insulin regimen.
The fine print
This study involved a small number of patients. In addition, it was assumed that patients adhered to the diet.
Published By :
Advances in therapy
Date :
Feb 17, 2016
