scholarly journals Low and reduced carbohydrate diets: challenges and opportunities for type 2 diabetes management and prevention

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaitong Churuangsuk ◽  
Michael E. J. Lean ◽  
Emilie Combet

Low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) have been promoted for weight control and type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, based on an emerging body of evidence, including meta-analyses with an indication of publication bias. Proposed definitions vary between 50 and 130 g/d, or <10 and <40 % of energy from carbohydrate, with no consensus on LCD compositional criteria. LCD are usually followed with limited consideration for other macronutrients in the overall diet composition, introducing variance in the constituent foods and in metabolic responses. For weight management, extensive evidence supports LCD as a valid weight loss treatment, up to 1–2 years. Solely lowering carbohydrate intake does not, in the medium/long term, reduce HbA1c for T2D prevention or treatment, as many mechanisms interplay. Under controlled feeding conditions, LCD are not physiologically or clinically superior to diets with higher carbohydrates for weight-loss, fat loss, energy expenditure or glycaemic outcomes; indeed, all metabolic improvements require weight loss. Long-term evidence also links the LCD pattern to increased CVD risks and mortality. LCD can lead to micronutrient deficiencies and increased LDL-cholesterol, depending on food selection to replace carbohydrates. Evidence is limited but promising regarding food choices/sources to replace high-carbohydrate foods that may alleviate the negative effects of LCD, demanding further insight into the dietary practice of medium to long term LCD followers. Long-term, high-quality studies of LCD with different food sources (animal and/or plant origins) are needed, aiming for clinical endpoints (T2D incidence and remission, cardiovascular events, mortality). Ensuring micronutrient adequacy by food selection or supplementation should be considered for people who wish to pursue long-term LCD.

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 1301-1312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Brouns

Abstract In the past, different types of diet with a generally low-carbohydrate content (< 50–< 20 g/day) have been promoted, for weight loss and diabetes, and the effectiveness of a very low dietary carbohydrate content has always been a matter of debate. A significant reduction in the amount of carbohydrates in the diet is usually accompanied by an increase in the amount of fat and to a lesser extent, also protein. Accordingly, using the term “low carb–high fat” (LCHF) diet is most appropriate. Low/very low intakes of carbohydrate food sources may impact on overall diet quality and long-term effects of such drastic diet changes remain at present unknown. This narrative review highlights recent metabolic and clinical outcomes of studies as well as practical feasibility of low LCHF diets. A few relevant observations are as follows: (1) any diet type resulting in reduced energy intake will result in weight loss and related favorable metabolic and functional changes; (2) short-term LCHF studies show both favorable and less desirable effects; (3) sustained adherence to a ketogenic LCHF diet appears to be difficult. A non-ketogenic diet supplying 100–150 g carbohydrate/day, under good control, may be more practical. (4) There is lack of data supporting long-term efficacy, safety and health benefits of LCHF diets. Any recommendation should be judged in this light. (5) Lifestyle intervention in people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while maintaining a relative carbohydrate-rich diet, results in long-term prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes and is generally seen as safe.


2006 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 208-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrup

The epidemic of both obesity and type 2 diabetes is due to environmental factors, but the individuals developing the conditions possess a strong genetic predisposition. Observational surveys and intervention studies have shown that excess body fatness is the major environmental cause of type 2 diabetes, and that even a minor weight loss can prevent its development in high-risk subjects. Maintenance of a healthy body weight in susceptible individuals requires 45–60 minutes physical activity daily, a fat-reduced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, and lean meat and dairy products, and moderate consumption of calorie containing beverages. The use of table values to predict the glycemic index of meals is of little – if any – value, and the role of a low-glycemic index diet for body weight control is controversial. The replacement of starchy carbohydrates with protein from lean meat and lean dairy products enhances satiety, and facilitate weight control. It is possible that dairy calcium also promotes weight loss, although the mechanism of action remains unclear. A weight loss of 5–10% can be induced in almost all obese patients providing treatment is offered by a professional team consisting of a physician and dieticians or nurses trained to focus on weight loss and maintenance. Whereas increasing daily physical activity and regular exercise does not significantly effect the rate of weight loss in the induction phase, it plays an important role in the weight maintenance phase due to an impact on daily energy expenditure and also to a direct enhancement of insulin sensitivity.


Diabetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1844-P
Author(s):  
AHMAD AL-MRABEH ◽  
SVIATLANA V. ZHYZHNEUSKAYA ◽  
ALISON C. BARNES ◽  
KIEREN G. HOLLINGSWORTH ◽  
NAVEED SATTAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

Diabetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 564-P
Author(s):  
DANIEL COX ◽  
MATTHEW A. MONCRIEF ◽  
ANTHONY L. MCCALL

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M. Williams ◽  
Kathryn Evans Kreider

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women of reproductive age ranges from 3% to 7%. Due to the common nature of this condition, it is imperative for nurse practitioners who care for women to understand evidence-based methods of diabetes management. The aim of this article is to describe current screening and diagnostic criteria for type 2 diabetes, discuss current evidence-based management and patient education necessary to prevent long-term complications, and provide the tools for a healthy reproductive plan in women with type 2 diabetes from puberty until menopause. Diabetes management extends well beyond glucose control, and nurse practitioners should be attuned to all factors that can impact cardiovascular risk and quality of life.


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