Long-term effects of weight loss with a very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat diet on flow mediated dilatation in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat diet versus a higher carbohydrate, low-fat diet on endothelial function in obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
Results Summary
Both diets resulted in similar weight loss and HbA1c reductions, with no significant changes in endothelial function (measured by FMD). The study found no difference in effects between the diets regarding endothelial function.
Population
Obese patients with type 2 diabetes (age: 58.4 ± 0.7 years, BMI: 34.6 ± 0.4 kg/m²).
Effective Dosage
LowCHO diet (14% carbs, 28% protein, 58% fat, <10% saturated fat); HighCHO diet (53% carbs, 17% protein, 30% fat, <10% saturated fat).
Duration
12 months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
very-low carbohydrate diets | increase | glycaemic control | patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) | - | can improve | #1 |
very-low carbohydrate diets | decrease | endothelial function (measured by flow mediated dilatation [FMD]) | - | - | associated with impaired | #2 |
12-month hypocaloric very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat (LowCHO) diet | decrease | weight | obese patients with T2DM | -10.6 ± 0.7 kg | similar reductions | #3 |
12-month hypocaloric very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat (LowCHO) diet | decrease | HbA1c | obese patients with T2DM | -1.05 ± 0.10% | similar reductions | #4 |
12-month hypocaloric very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat (LowCHO) diet | no change | FMD | obese patients with T2DM | - | did not change | #5 |
isocaloric HighCHO diet | decrease | weight | obese patients with T2DM | -10.6 ± 0.7 kg | similar reductions | #6 |
isocaloric HighCHO diet | decrease | HbA1c | obese patients with T2DM | -1.05 ± 0.10% | similar reductions | #7 |
isocaloric HighCHO diet | no change | FMD | obese patients with T2DM | - | did not change | #8 |
HighCHO diet and LowCHO diet | no change | endothelial function | patients with obesity and T2DM | - | similar effects | #9 |
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Very-low carbohydrate diets can improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, compared to traditional higher carbohydrate, low fat (HighCHO) diets, they have been associated with impaired endothelial function (measured by flow mediated dilatation [FMD]) that is possibly related to saturated fat. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-month hypocaloric very-low carbohydrate, low saturated fat (LowCHO) diet compared to an isocaloric HighCHO diet. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen obese patients with T2DM (age:58.4 ± 0.7 [SEM] yr, BMI:34.6 ± 0.4 kg/m(2), HbA1c:7.33 [56.3 mmol/mol] ± 0.10%) were randomised to consume an energy restricted LowCHO diet (Carb:Pro:Fat:Sat-Fat 14:28:58: < 10% energy; n = 58) or isocaloric HighCHO diet (53:17:30: < 10%; n = 57) whilst undertaking exercise (60 min, 3/wk). Bodyweight, HbA1c and FMD were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy eight participants completed the intervention (LowCHO = 41, HighCHO = 37). Both groups experienced similar reductions in weight and HbA1c (-10.6 ± 0.7 kg, -1.05 ± 0.10%; p < 0.001 time, p ≥ 0.48 time × diet). FMD did not change (p = 0.11 time, p = 0.20 time × diet). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with obesity and T2DM, HighCHO diet and LowCHO diet have similar effects on endothelial function.