Low-Carbohydrate Diets Improve Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Author Information
Author(s): Eric C Westman, William S Yancy Jr, John C Mavropoulos, Megan Marquart, Jennifer R McDuffie
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
A diet lower in carbohydrate would lead to greater improvement in glycemic control over a 24-week period in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet led to greater improvements in glycemic control and more frequent medication reduction than a low-glycemic index diet.
Supporting Evidence
- Both diets improved hemoglobin A1c, but the low-carbohydrate diet was more effective.
- 95.2% of participants on the low-carb diet reduced or eliminated their diabetes medications.
- The low-carb group lost more weight compared to the low-glycemic index group.
- Participants on the low-carb diet had a greater increase in HDL cholesterol.
Takeaway
Eating fewer carbs can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar better and even reduce their need for medication.
Methodology
Participants were randomized to either a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet or a low-glycemic, reduced-calorie diet, with outcomes measured by hemoglobin A1c.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported dietary intake and adherence.
Limitations
The study lacked blinding and was conducted with community volunteers, predominantly women, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community volunteers with obesity and type 2 diabetes, aged 18-65, with a BMI from 27-50 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -2.30, -0.71
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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