Hormonal
Carbohydrate restriction improves glycemic control and metabolic markers (HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL) in Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), often independent of weight loss, and can lead to 'diabetes reversal' in a subset of patients.
For T2D patients, reducing carbohydrate intake can significantly lower blood sugar and reduce the need for diabetes medications, sometimes even without losing weight. Some patients achieve 'remission' (normal blood sugar without meds). This approach requires working with a doctor to safely reduce medications as blood sugar improves.
Meta-analyses of trials comparing reduced-carbohydrate versus higher-carbohydrate diets or standard of care report modestly lower HbA1c (~0.5%) and reduced usage of glucose-lowering medications... Effects were also reported in studies without substantial weight loss... 'Diabetes reversal,' defined as HbA1c <6.5%, without glucose-lowering medications other than metformin, occurred in 53.5% of participants.
Why this rating
Based on meta-analyses and recent trials, but long-term hard outcomes and adherence over time are noted as limitations.
Source
Carbohydrate restriction for diabetes: rediscovering centuries-old wisdom
Belinda Lennerz et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2021
DOI 10.1172/jci142246
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