Macro partitioning
A strict low-carbohydrate diet decreases plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
If you are concerned about heart health markers like triglycerides, switching to a low-carb diet (20g carbs/day) for two weeks can significantly lower them. Total cholesterol also dropped, while 'good' (HDL) and 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol levels stayed the same. This suggests that reducing carbs, not just fat, is key to improving these specific lipid markers.
Mean plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased (change, -35% and -10%, respectively).
Why this rating
Small sample, short duration.
Source
Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Guenther Boden et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2005
DOI 10.7326/0003-4819-142-6-200503150-00006
More from this paper
- A strict low-carbohydrate diet (approx. 20g carbs/day) in obese patients with type 2 diabetes causes significant weight loss primarily through spontaneous reduction in caloric intake, rather than increased metabolic expenditure or water loss.Moderate
- A strict low-carbohydrate diet improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in obese patients with type 2 diabetes within two weeks.Moderate
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