Study Details
Table of Contents
Summary
This study followed 20 adults with type 1 diabetes who struggled to meet blood sugar targets. After a 4‑week period on their usual higher‑carb diets, participants tried a 12‑week low‑carbohydrate (LC) plan guided remotely by a dietitian, aiming for 25–75 g of carbs per day. Sixteen completed the intervention.
What changed during the LC phase:
- Carbs fell from about 214 g/day to 63 g/day.
- HbA1c dropped from 7.7% to 7.1% (61→54 mmol/mol).
- Time in range (3.5–10.0 mmol/L) rose from 59% to 74%.
- Total daily insulin decreased from 65 to 49 units/day.
- Quality of life improved.
- Hypoglycemia did not increase; no ketoacidosis events were reported in completers.
There were no significant changes in these measures during the habitual‑diet control period. The study was single‑arm (participants served as their own controls) and short (12 weeks), so the authors stress that larger, longer randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings. They also note that LDL cholesterol did not significantly change in this group, even though saturated fat intake increased; many participants were on cholesterol‑lowering medication, and the paper does not claim LDL causes or does not cause heart disease.
Practical relevance for people with diabetes
- Lowering carbs substantially, when done with professional guidance, may help stabilize blood sugar, reduce insulin doses, and improve daily wellbeing.
- Monitoring remains critical: participants checked glucose frequently, used CGM when available, and measured ketones as instructed.
- The approach emphasized whole, minimally processed foods; protein and fat amounts were not capped, and carb portions were kept small and steady across meals.
Limitations noted by the authors
- No randomized control group, small sample, 12‑week duration.
- Some participants were on lipid‑lowering medications.
- Diet quality wasn’t formally measured, though whole foods were encouraged.
- Results need confirmation in larger, longer randomized trials.