The American Diabetes Association has acknowledge some of the positive outcomes of low carb

1. The American Diabetes Association has acknowledge some of the positive
outcomes of low carb/reduced carb diets on diabetes in the most recently
published nutrition recommendations.
The American Diabetes Association, “Nutrition Recommendations and Interventions
in Diabetes,” Diabetes Care, 2008
New research continues to emerge supporting the use of low carb and reduced
carb diets in individuals with diabetes.
Research has shown low carb diets may be useful in:
Improving BMI
Reducing HgbA1c
Improving some cardiovascular risk factors including HDL-
C, TG, and Cholesterol/HDL ratio.
Reducing or eliminating use of diabetic medications.
.
Recently Published Results:
Focus on pre-diabetes and diabetes
Title
Carbohydrate Restriction has a More Favorable Impact on Metabolic Syndrome than
a Low Fat Diet. Volek, J.S., Phinney, S.D., Forstythe, C.E., et al. published in
Lipids, 2008
Summary
12 week study of Two hypocaloric diets (1500 kcal) were compared: Carbohydrate
restricted (CRD; 12% carb) and Low fat (LFD; 56% carb)
The CRD had greater weight loss compared to LFD.
CRD group significantly reduced fasting glucose.
CRD had greater decrease in leptin levels and postprandial TAG.
HDL increased in CRD group and Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio improved.
LDL-C – on average, not decreased in CRD group but noted shift from
the smaller LDL (more atherogenic) to larger LDL particles (less
atherogenic) following diet.
Conclusion
A carb restricted diet can improve markers of Metabolic Syndrome and
Cardiovascular Risk including improving HDL-C, postprandial TAG,
reduction of small LDL, and weight reduction.

2. Title
The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on
glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Westman, E.C., Yancy, W.S., Mavropoulos, J.C., Marquart, M., McDuffie, J.R.
published in Nutrition & Metabolism, 2008
Summary
Participants with obesity and Type 2 DM randomized to a low-carb, ketogenic diet
(LCKD; <20g Carb) or a low-glycemic, reduced calorie diet (LGID; 500 kcal deficit
from estimated needs).
HgbA1c improved by –1.5% in LCKD compared to –0.5% in LGID.
Fasting glucose and insulin improved in both groups similarly.
A greater percentage of participants in LCKD were able to eliminate or
reduce medications.
HDL-C improved in the LCKD only.
No increase in GFR or creatinine was noted in either group.
Conclusion
A low-carb, ketogenic diet is more effective in improving glycemic
control and reducing/eliminating need for diabetic medications
compared to a low-glycemic diet.
Title
Low carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes: stable improvement of bodyweight and
glycemic control during 44 months follow-up
Nielsen, J.V., Joensson, E.A. Nutrition and Metabolism, 2008
Summary
Retrospective follow-up of obese patients with type 2 diabetes following a low carb
diet (20% carb) compared to a control group.
Wt loss was greater overall on low carb diet; some wt gain occurred by
end of study but still lower than baseline.
Greater improvement in HgbA1c noted in the low carb diet.
Oral diabetic medications and insulin decreased or was eliminated by
end of study in most participants.
HDL-C increased and improved Cholesterol/HDL ratio noted in the low
carb group.
Conclusion
A low-carb diet may be effective in improving weight, glycemic control and
reducing/eliminating need for diabetic medications in obese individuals with type 2
diabetes.