For people with type 2 diabetes, following a long-term low-carbohydrate diet can help improve some blood fat levels, but it does not seem to affect blood sugar control. This information comes from a recent study that was shared online on July 24 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
A group of researchers from the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan, led by Takahiro Ichikawa, looked into how long-term low-carb diets impact blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients. They reviewed six studies that fit their criteria.
The researchers discovered that there were no major changes in blood sugar levels, measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), between those on long-term low-carb diets and those on regular diets. There were also no significant differences in weight loss, blood pressure, and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels between the two groups. However, those on long-term low-carb diets did show better improvements in good cholesterol (HDL) and lower levels of triglycerides.
The authors of the study suggest that while long-term low-carb diets might help manage some aspects of blood fat levels (known as dyslipidemia) in people with type 2 diabetes, they do not seem to be better than regular diets in reducing HbA1c levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is caused by a mix of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and sometimes other health issues. Important symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Managing type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, medications to control blood sugar, and sometimes insulin therapy. Alternative and complementary treatments include dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and practices like yoga and acupuncture, which some people find helpful alongside their prescribed treatments.
Key Insights:
- Low-carbohydrate diets may improve certain blood fat levels but do not significantly change blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.
- No major differences in weight loss, blood pressure, or bad cholesterol (LDL) were found between low-carb and regular diets.
- Good cholesterol (HDL) levels increased, and triglyceride levels decreased with long-term low-carb diets.
- The study suggests that low-carb diets could help manage diabetic dyslipidemia but are not more effective for reducing HbA1c levels compared to regular diets.
Source: Journal of Diabetes Investigation