The Latest in Low-Carb Science
Sunday March 9, 2008
The evidence in favor of a low-carb way of eating continues to mount! Quite a few interesting research reports involving low-carb diets have come out in the first couple of months of 2008:
- An analysis of 56 studies of reduced-carbohydrate diets was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in January. The analysis showed that "hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, and some lipid fractions (triglycerides) improved with lower carbohydrate-content diets."
- A study of two diets of the same calories but differing carbohydrate levels in the Journal of the America College of Cardiology produced what we've come to see as typical results: The low-carb group had lower triglycerides and higher HDL ("good cholesterol"). The high-carb/low carb group had a reduction of LDL ("bad cholesterol"), but there was no report of LDL particle size, which often worsens on such a diet (more about this effect). Interestingly, it stated in the full report that the low-carb diet "may confer the greatest clinical benefits in patients who present with hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL levels, abdominal adiposity, and insulin resistance". However, in the summary it said that because some of the low-carb group had an increase in LDL, the high-carb diet "diet had more favorable effects on the blood lipid profile" and that low-carb dieters should have their blood lipids monitored. I would say to be sure to include LDL particle size in that monitoring!
- A 2-year study of diabetics comparing conventional diabetic diets to low-carb diets showed that the low-carb group had improvements in hemoglobin A1C (a marker for blood glucose over a long time period), more sustained weight loss, and a decreased use of diabetic medications. It's always nice to see the longer-term studies coming out.
- A small study of children with Type 1 Diabetes in a camp setting found that education and carbohydrate reduction promoted blood glucose control.
Comments
My husband is a type 2 diabetic - has been for some 25 years. 5 years ago, after seeing his physicians on a regular basis for about 20 years, he was in very bad physical condition. He was on insulin, he weighed 280 pounds, the neuropathy in both his feet was so bad that he was on neurontin to try to help calm the pain, because of the neuropathy he could not walk more than 75 feet with out having to sit down because of the pain. He had excellent doctors - we live in Cleveland, OH where we have the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital - two of the top hospitals in the country. My husband was irritable, depressed, could fall asleep at the drop of a hat, and had absolutely no energy what so ever.
7 years ago I read Dr. Bersteins Diabetes Solutions book. I was amazed at how diabetics were being “cured” and turning their lives around because of low or controlled carbohydrates. My husband didn’t buy into it at first - telling me he had good doctors and they were doing all they could. I told my husband it is up to you to take control of this disease and I can show you how. Two years later he accepted responsibility for his Type II Diabetes. We both went on a low/controlled carb lifestyle. He lost 80 pounds in 9 months. At that time, he was up to 43 units of Lantus insulin a night - within 3 months he was completely off of the insulin and has never gone back. His doctor is amazed and continues to cut out or cut back on his medications every time we go to see him.
My husband has been in 2 5K races (walking), walks every day at the track (2 miles a day), he is full of life again. If I ever meet Dr. Bernstein, I will give him a big kiss (on the cheek of course) for saving my husband’s (and my) life!
When will these doctors open their eyese to what is right in front of them?
Keep up the good work you are doing, Laura. God bless you.
Mary
Dear Mary…
So good to read your comments. Like you, my husband was diagnosed with diabetes. I look back now and realized that I almost lost him quite suddenly. He almost went into a coma his blood sugar was so extremely high. He was put on insulin shots and was really struggling with the “diet” and shots combination. He finally realized that the diet was what was making him worse…ie, needing more insulin shots. He decided to take matters into his own hands (and mine). I was already on a low carb diet and he decided to join me. He quickly realized that he no longer needed the shots as long as he ate low carb. It has been about 7 1/2 years now and he has lost weight slowly and steadily. (about 60 pounds). A very happy man and his wife. P.S. I am losing very slowly, but still losing and not gaining, (I don’t have diabetes). Thanks for posting your comments. Donna