15th January, 2021

 

A low carb diet can induce remission of type-2 diabetes and lead to weight loss too

Diabetes is a disease that has today assumed epidemic proportions across the world. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes worldwide and diet is recognised as an essential part of treatment. But uncertainty remains about which diet to choose and many studies have reported mixed results. But now, a new study from Texas A&M University says that patients with type-2 diabetes who follow a strict low carbohydrate diet for six months may experience greater rates of remission compared with other recommended diets without adverse effects, a new study suggests. Also Read - Type 2 diabetes: This cooking oil may alleviate your blood sugar levels

Though most of the benefits diminished at 12 months, researchers say that doctors may consider putting patients on short-term strict low carbohydrate diets for managing type 2 diabetes, while actively monitoring and adjusting diabetes medication as needed. According to researchers, future long term, well designed, calorie controlled randomised trials are needed to determine the effects of low-carb diet on sustained weight loss and remission of diabetes, as well as cardiovascular mortality and major morbidity. Also Read - Diabetics beware: These 5 foods can cause an instant sugar spike

What Is Better? Low Carb Or Very Low Carb Diet

For the study, published in The BMJ journal, the team assessed the effectiveness and safety of low carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and very low carbohydrate diets (VLCDs) for people with type-2 diabetes, compared with (mostly low fat) control diets based on analysis from 23 randomised trials involving 1,357 participants. Low-carb diet was defined as less than 26 per cent daily calories from carbohydrates and very low-carb diet was defined as less than 10 per cent daily calories from carbohydrates for at least 12 weeks in adults (average age 47 to 67 years) with type-2 diabetes. Based on low to moderate certainty evidence, the researchers found that patients on low-carb diet achieved higher diabetes remission rates at six months compared with patients on control diets, without adverse events. Also Read - Taking whey protein at night may lead to diabetes, heart disease

Other Benefits Of Low-Carb Diet

A low-carb diet comes with immense health benefits. Other than helping in the remission of type 2 diabetes, it also induced weight loss, reduced medication use, and improved body fat (triglyceride) concentrations at six months. However, most of these benefits diminished at 12 months, a finding consistent with previous reviews, and some evidence showed worsening of quality of life and cholesterol levels at 12 months, researchers said.

What Is A Low Carb Diet?

A low-carb diet is one that restricts the intake of carbohydrates. If you go on this diet, you have to avoid foods like rice, pasta, sugary foods and bread. But you can have your fill of protein, healthy fat and vegetables.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/