Since 2013 there have been eleven large studies showing benefits associated with low carbohydrate and very low carbohydrate ketogenic diets. Carbohydrate levels in these studies ranged from 20 g to 130 g per day. Improvements in blood glucose, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels were observed. A ketogenic diet also helps to reduce overweight and obesity – major risk factors for diabetes.
In a 2016 study, researchers evaluated the short-term safety and tolerability of a ketogenic diet with less than 50 g of carbohydrate per day in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Participants in the study were randomly assigned to either a ketogenic diet or standard low calories diet for 45 days. Both groups were evaluated by a physician, assessed by a registered dietitian, and participated in group meetings. Participants also received individual counseling to support lifestyle and behavioral modification throughout the study.
At the end of the study, the ketogenic diet was found to be most effective in reducing body weight and improving blood glucose control than the standard low calorie diet with safety and good tolerance for T2DM patients.
Most of the available research on low-carbohydrate diets is on individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, there are a growing number of people with type 1 diabetes following low-carbohydrate diets. More healthcare providers are also recommending low carbohydrate diets. A recent study in which individuals with type 1 diabetes were instructed to maintain a diet with 70 to 90 g of carbohydrate per day for up to four years found a significant decrease in HbA1c, a dramatic reduction in hypoglycemic (low blood glucose) episodes, and improvement in lipid profiles.