Low-carb is better than low-fat when it comes to type 2 diabetes diet

Going low-carb isn't just a passing fad, and for type 2 diabetics, it might actually protect against factors that influence the development of serious health conditions.

A new two-year study from Sweden's Linköping University found a low-carb diet was better than a traditional or low-fat diet in helping diabetics lose weight and reduce inflammation.

The study may be a groundbreaking one because doctors typically prescribe a low-fat diet for type 2 diabetics. Emerging research like the current study, however, suggest that low-carb eating with a moderate amount of healthy fats might be the best approach.

“The clinical trial resulted in a similar weight loss comparing low-carbohydrate diet and low-fat diet, but only the low-carbohydrate diet had a favorable impact on inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes,” the researchers said.

ADA on board

The American Diabetes Association used to say that low-carb diets were unhealthy, but the organization is now on board, saying that this type of diet can be effective in helping to reverse type 2 diabetes and keep conditions like inflammation at bay. And a growing number of medical experts are starting to agree, blaming sugar and carbohydrates for diabetes, heart disease and weight gain.

Dr. Jeff Volek, author of "The Art and Science of Low-Carbohydrate Living," explains that low-carb eating can prevent these conditions to begin with.

"Carbohydrate restriction is the proverbial ‘silver bullet’ for managing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes," Dr. Volek told Health Day.

The current study is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Source: Examiner