Macro partitioning
Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) are superior to low-fat diets (LFDs) for improving glycemic control (HbA1c) and reducing body weight in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients, with benefits persisting for up to 1.5 years for HbA1c and 2 years for HDL-C, though weight loss benefits diminish after 2 years.
If you have Type 2 Diabetes, switching to a low-carbohydrate diet (less than 130g carbs per day) is likely to lower your blood sugar (HbA1c) and help you lose more weight than a standard low-fat diet. These benefits for blood sugar and good cholesterol (HDL) can last for 1.5 to 2 years. However, be aware that the extra weight loss you get from cutting carbs tends to fade after 2 years, so long-term adherence is key. Contrary to common fears, this approach did not show worse heart or kidney markers compared to low-fat diets in this review.
Compared with LFDs, treatment with LCDs achieved significant reduced HbA1c by 0.35%... LCDs appeared to be more beneficial in decreasing body weight than LFDs... LCD interventions significantly reduced TG concentration... and increased HDL-C concentration... the difference in HbA1c, TG, and HDL-C between two dietary restrictions respectively lasted up to 1.5 and 2 years, whereas the beneficial effects of body weight loss diminished over time and disappeared after 2 years.
Why this rating
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (761 patients), though risk of bias was 'some concern' or 'high' in 60% of outcomes.
Source
Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Low-Carbohydrate Diets with Low-Fat Diets for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Shunhua Li et al. · International Journal of Endocrinology · 2021
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