Jeremy D Krebs, Amber Parry Strong, Pip Cresswell, Andrew N Reynolds, Aoife Hanna, Sylvan Haeusler
Journal: Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition 2016;25(1):78-84
PMID: 26965765
With the advent of self-managed insulin by injection, Type 1 diabetics were able to eat a normal diet and not worry about their carbohydrate intake. However this regime requires careful carbohydrate counting and insulin dosing, which is not always easy to do. With interest in low carbohydrate diets in the management of Type 2 diabetes increasing, some Type 1 diabetics are restricting their carbohydrates in order to better control their blood glucose levels. This pilot study was a small, single-blinded randomised control trial of 10 individuals. It aimed to determine the effects of low carbohydrate diets on glycaemic control, daily insulin requirements and quality of life in Type 1 Diabetes, when compared to those on a normal diet. The results showed that HbA1C reduced significantly in the carbohydrate restricted group compared to the group eating a normal diet. The amount of injected insulin also showed a significant reduction in the low-carbohydrate group. There were no changes in blood pressure, creatinine or lipid profile in either of the groups. A low-carbohydrate diet is a feasible option for clients with Type 1 Diabetes who are looking for improved glycaemic control and reduced doses of insulin, particularly if they would like to lose weight.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of a low carbohydrate diet and standard carbohydrate counting on glycaemic control, glucose excursions and daily insulin use compared with standard carbohydrate counting in participants with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN
Participants (n=10) with type 1 diabetes using a basal; bolus insulin regimen, who attended a secondary care clinic, were randomly allocated (1:1) to either a standard carbohydrate counting course or the same course with added information on following a carbohydrate restricted diet (75 g per day). Participants attended visits at baseline and 12 weeks for measurements of weight, height, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid profile and creatinine. They also completed a 3-day food diary and had 3 days of continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring.
RESULTS
The carbohydrate restricted group had significant reductions in HbA1c (63 to 55 mmol/mol (8.9-8.2%), p<0.05) and daily insulin use (64.4 to 44.2 units/day, p<0.05) and non-significant reductions in body weight (83.2 to 78.0 kg). There were no changes in blood pressure, creatinine or lipid profile and all outcomes in the carbohydrate counting group were unchanged. There was no change in glycaemic variability as measured by the mean amplitude of glycaemic excursion in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
A low carbohydrate diet is a feasible option for people with type 1 diabetes, and may be of benefit in reducing insulin doses and improving glycaemic control, particularly for those wishing to lose weight.
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