2009 Studies & Research Blog

Diabetes is a condition that is affecting the lives of more and more people these days.  Whether it’s due to hereditary factors, lack of physical activity, or the fact that around every corner there’s a fast food restaurant in plain site, people are getting heavier - and for the vast majority, this isn’t muscle gain.

Unfortunately, a great many of these individuals who indulge on a daily basis in foods that are not nutritionally sound or who forgo physical activity for other sedentary activities, are not giving a great deal of thought to what’s happening on their insides. Yes, they gain weight and can see this. That often will spur a change in lifestyle, but by then, it may be too late.  Diabetes is a serious condition that should not be looked at lightly.

Whether you already are diabetic or worry you may be at a high risk, studies have shown that diets comprised of approximately 20% carbohydrates seem to optimize the control you have over the condition and improve symptoms.

In a study conducted by Joensson and Nielsen (2008), obese patients were fed either a diet of 20% carbohydrates or a more mixed diet, consisting of the typical 55-60% recommendation.

This 20% carb diet showed not only superior bodyweight and glycemic control over a 6 month period, but in a follow-up done 44 months later, it was seen that of the 23 eating 20% carbs, two had suffered a cardiovascular event, while out of the other group, 4 out of the 6 suffered an event.  This further demonstrates that long-term reduced carbohydrate diets are likely the best way to go when trying to manage diabetes, especially among the overweight.

Reference:

Joensson EA & Nielsen JV. Low-carbohdrate diet in type 2 diabetes: stable improvement of bodyweight and glycemic control during 44 months follow-up. Nutr. & Metabolism. 2008. 5;14.