News & Research

Low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake among adult patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, by Y. Ma and colleages. Nutrition 22:1129?1136, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Some popular diets encourage people to eat meals low in carbohydrates, which are often higher in fats. This may not be good for people with type 2 diabetes, because the disease makes it more likely that a person will develop related conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels).

Doctors want patients with poorly controlled diabetes to improve their eating habits and lose weight, but it?s unknown whether low-carb diets are harmful.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see if people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes followed a low-carb, high-fat diet.

Who was studied?

The study included 40 people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

How was the study done?

Participants had a physical exam and blood drawn for lab tests. They also completed a detailed survey about their eating habits.

What did the researchers find?

Overall, the participants followed a diet that provided about 35% of calories from carbohydrates, 45% from fat, and 20% from protein. Although most participants said they were not strictly following any popular diet, the nutritional profile is similar to a low-carb diet. By comparison, some nutritionists recommends a diet in which 45% to 65% of energy comes from carbohydrates, 20% to 35% from fats, and 20% from protein.

What were the limitations of the study?

The number of people in the study was small.

What are the implications of the study?

Many people with poorly controlled diabetes follow a low-carb diet. Whether this diet affects the chance that they will develop CVD remains to be seen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Recipes

Preventing Diabetes with Good Nutrition

ADA Urges Medical Nutrition Therapy for Multi-Level Diabetes Intervention