This study examined the effect of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet on type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initially produce insulin (hormone which lowers blood sugar levels) but it fails to work in the body.  Patients are treated with drugs which help insulin work. However, patients may enter remission (no signs and symptoms of disease) if fat and carbohydrate intake are reduced, along with increasing exercise.

A Mediterranean diet that is rich in vegetables and whole grains and low in red meat may improve blood glucose (sugar) levels and increase the ability of insulin to work. This may reduce the need for medication. This Mediterranean diet may be more effective than a diet which is low in fat.

This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet on blood glucose control, the need for diabetic drugs and remission.

This study involved 215 new dlyiagnosed T2D patients. Participants were divided into 2 groups. 108 participants received a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet. 107 participants received a low-fat diet. Participants who did not require diabetes medication 4 years later continued to be followed.

Participants receiving a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet did not require diabetes medication until 8.1 years after beginning the diet. In contrast, patients receiving the low-fat diet required diabetes medication 6.1 years after beginning the diet. The average survival time was higher in patients receiving the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet (4.8 years) compared to patients receiving the low-fat diet (2.8 years).

After the first year of the diet, 14.7% of patients on the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet entered partial or complete remission, compared to 4.1% on the low-fat diet. After 6 years, 5.0% patients on the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet were in partial or complete remission. No patients on the low-fat diet were in remission after 6 years.

After one year, patients on the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet had lower HbA1c (measure of blood glucose levels over 3 months) and body weight than did patients on the low-fat diet.

This study concluded that a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet improved blood glucose control, reduced the need for diabetic drugs and had a higher remission rate.

Patients were aware of the diet they were receiving and patients receiving the low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet may have been encouraged to obtain a lower HbA1c.

Consult with your physician regarding the importance of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet for treating T2D.

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