Many are drawn to low-carb diets due to their benefits, especially in weight loss. But a recent study shows that it can also lead to remission of type-2 diabetes, effectively reversing the course of the disease.
Findings published in BMJ confirm the American Diabetes Association's official recommendation of cutbacks in carbohydrates to lower blood sugar.
The study's objective is to determine the safety and efficacy of low-carb diets (LCDs) and very low-carb diets (VLCSs) for patients who have type-2 diabetes.
The study summed up analysis from 23 randomized controlled trials of 1,300 participants with type 2 diabetes. The studies compared low-carb diets--daily calories from carbohydrates of 26% or 10% vs. low-fat diets.
Overall, the findings show that participants who stuck to a six-month low-carb diet had higher remission rates than those who tried other dietary changes.
Reducing carbohydrate intake and increase nutrient-dense food can help patients reverse the course of type-2 diabetes, says Dr. Mark Cucuzella, a West Virginia University School of Medicine professor. He has multiple studies on dietary changes and diabetes, in an article by Insider.
He adds, "The good news about diabetes is it's a dietary disease, so it is reversible with lifestyle measures."
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Carbohydrate-Intolerance of Type-2 Diabetics
Despite doctors referring to type-2 diabetes patients as "insulin resistant," Cucuzzella says another way to view the condition is "carbohydrate-intolerant."
He explains that patients with type-2 diabetes do not metabolize or respond well with carbohydrates, resulting in higher insulin levels or high blood sugar levels.
Cutting back on sugar and starch-based foods can help patients with diabetes keep their condition under control with medication. Also, fats and protein, unlike carbohydrates, don't cause blood sugar level spikes.
Understanding Type-2 Diabetes
Commonly a lifelong condition, type-2 diabetes causes a person's blood sugar levels to rise. Because their pancreas doesn't excrete enough insulin to control sugar in the blood, patients may suffer from weight loss, slow recovery of wounds, blurred vision, and more.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 10 or more than 34 million Americans have diabetes. And roughly 90-95% have type-2 diabetes.
It develops most commonly in adults over the age of 45. However, recent reports show an increase in children, teens, and young adults developing the disease.
Type-2 diabetes is often treated with changes in lifestyle and diet, depending on your body's response.
Some patients are prescribed tablets and insulin to help alleviate the condition. Early in the course of the disease, proper weight loss and nutrient-based diets can reverse the course of diabetes.
Read also: Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Studies Reveal the Perfect Diet of Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grain
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