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Low-carb diet may be best for diabetics, researchers say

Category: Diabetes

A low-carb diet may help diabetics significantly improve their blood test scores for insulin and glucose levels, even if the diet is high in fat, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetologia.

The findings run counter to many dietary recommendations given to diabetics. Most doctors would say that a person with the metabolic condition should avoid high-fat foods. However, the study suggests that these types of foods may not be as great a problem as previously thought.

In the study, researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden assigned 61 diabetics to either follow a low-carb or low-fat diet for six months. The results showed that the low-carb group improved their glucose control to a much greater extent than the low-fat group.

Additionally, despite the fact that many in the low-carb group consumed substantial amounts of fat, their cholesterol levels did not increase and they were able to lose weight.

The researchers said their findings call into question the dietary recommendations most physicians give to patients. Diets that focus on restricting carbohydrate consumption may actually be the best option.