A recent study adds to the growing body of research evaluating low carbohydrate and very low carbohydrate diets. Working with a group of overweight and obese adults, all of whom qualified as either pre-diabetic or type 2 diabetics, researchers employed two different dietary strategies. Randomly assigned to either a standard American Diabetic Association diet (ADA: count your calories, keep fat low and carbohydrates moderate) or a low-carb diet designed to induce ketosis (LCK: very low in carbs, high in fat, and calories unrestricted), the participants were instructed and followed for three months.
Assessment at three months found a significant difference, with the LCK group enjoying a significant drop in their hemoglobin A1C, or overall blood sugar, reading. A far greater portion of the LCK group (44% vs 11%) were able to discontinue one or more of their diabetes medications, and lost 5.5 kg compared to 2.6 kg.
Overall a markedly superior outcome, in just 3 months, working with high risk patients. The LCK diet can present certain challenges that might require supervision by an experienced clinician but overall is taking home a lot of blue ribbons when compared to standard dietary interventions for fat loss, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.