News & Research

The metabolic response to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus, by F.Q. Nuttall and M.C. Gannon. Metab 55:243?251, 2006.

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

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is important to maintaining good health. A healthy diet is especially important for people with diabetes. Past research suggests that a diet that includes 20% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% of calories from protein, and 50% from fat can improve the body's ability to handle glucose and insulin.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to study the effects of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet on a person's metabolism, hormones, fats in the blood, and other measures of health.

Who was studied?

The study included eight men who had mild type 2 diabetes and were not receiving treatment. All participants were patients at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

How was the study done?

All participants received a physical exam and had blood drawn for tests. Based on a coin flip, participants consumed either a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, or another, more conventional low-fat diet that derived 55% of calories from carbohydrates, 15% from protein, and 30% of calories from fat.

Participants remained on their assigned diet for 5 weeks, and then switched to the other diet plan.

What did the researchers find?

The low-carbohydrate diet appears to have no harmful effects on the body. Blood tests show that participants did not lose lean body mass (like muscle) while losing weight.

What were the limitations of the study?

The number of participants was fairly small. A larger group may lead to different results. Only men with diabetes were studied, so the findings may not apply to other groups of patients.

What are the implications of the study?

The amount of fat and carbohydrates in a person's diet does not appear to have an effect on metabolism. Increasing the levels of protein in a person's diet causes changes in the body that are not well understood and need more research.

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