A scientific analysis of diets performed by the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition", published in 2008, shows surprising findings that strike and challenge some commonly accepted theories. For example, the fact that diets lower in carbohydrates but higher in saturated fat and total fat resulted in need for higher insulin doses and worse glycemic control in people suffering from type-1 diabetes. The study did not include people with type-2 diabetes.
Let us step back and look at some nutrition basics. All diets are planned by modifying the amounts of four calorie-providing nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates and alcohol. It means that reducing one component, let us say for example carbohydrates, results in the necessity to adjust (increment) the others to meet calorie needs.
In the mentioned study, people following a lower-carbohydrate diet would consume higher amounts of fat and saturated fat. The substitution of saturated fat calories for carbohydrates calories resulted in need for higher insulin doses, due to a significantly poorer control of glycemia. Conversely, and unexpectedly for some, diets lower in saturated fat and total fat even though higher in carbs, resulted associated with better control of glycemia levels.
Previous studies would also point to saturated fat as a possible trigger behind the increased insulin need and poorer blood sugar control in the long run. We are used to think that lowering carbs would automatically result in better control of the diabetes symptoms. Making this change we may overlooked that almost always we end up increasing the intake of other nutrients that have potential adverse side effects. This study makes the case, for people with type-1 diabetes, that there is more to it than carbs. We need to pay close atention to fat and saturated fat as well.
How much fat? How many carbs? What about alcohol and protein? Further research is necessary. Adequate (moderate) amounts for all? How do several foods fit into these diets, and what is the result of the types of fat and carbs (fiber) that we eat? And also what about minerals, vitamins and the other nutrients?
What are the long term effects of the different diets on control of type-1 and type-2 diabetes? Good question, considering that there is more to it than carbs. Experts agree to believe that there is no such thing as a "one-diet-that-fits-all". Every diabetc must work with their doctor or nutritionist to achieve optimal glycemic control, by following a healthy diet that fits their needs.
An anecdotic thing in this study was that the mild reduction in carbs resulted in people eating more total and saturated fat, ending up in higher insulin need.
Health advisor. Diabetes expert. Experienced consultant and author.
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low-gi-diet-breakthrough-review.blogspot.com
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