In a nutshell
This review examined the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet for the management of diabetes. The authors concluded that current evidence supports the use of a low-carbohydrate diet for the management of diabetes.
Some background
Current strategies used to control diabetes fail to improve obesity or reduce the risk of diabetic complications. In addition, the drugs used to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) can have serious side effects. However, low-carbohydrate (low sugar) diets have been successful in treating diabetes and do not have side effects.
Methods & findings
This review aimed to summarize the benefits of a low carbohydrate diet for T1D and T2D patients.
A low-carbohydrate diet is more effective than a low-calorie diet. One study found that average blood glucose levels were lower in T2D patients following a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low-calorie diet. Intensive glucose-lowering by dietary carbohydrate restriction does not have any side effects compared to glucose-lowering medication. Patients do not need to lose weight to benefit from a low-carbohydrate diet.
Low-carbohydrate diets are also more effective than low-fat diets, particularly in weight loss. Another study found that 80% of those following a low-carb diet lost more than 8 kg, while 70% of those on a low-fat diet lost less than 8 kg. A separate study found that replacing some carbohydrate with protein increased weight loss
Several smaller studies have shown that T2D patients may not need medication when following a low-carbohydrate diet or may need to reduce the dose of the medication. For example, one study found that 17 of 21 patients (81%) were able to reduce and stop their diabetes medication while following a low-carbohydrate diet.
Although T1D patients will require insulin, the dose of insulin needed may be reduced when following a low-carbohydrate diet.
The bottom line
This review concluded that a low-carbohydrate diet should be part of the first approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and in combination with insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet.
Published By :
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
Date :
Jan 01, 2015
