A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers has recently compared low carbohydrate diets and their effect on blood sugar control and found that the lowest carbohydrate diets are better at controlling type 2 diabetes, which is a condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar.
The study compared low carbohydrate diets, one with the lowest possible rating of the glycemic index. The glycemic index ranks carbohydrates based upon their effect on blood glucose levels.
Patients who followed the no glycemic diet were able to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, their medication to control type 2 diabetes. The findings of the study lead by Eric Westman, MD, director of Duke’s Lifestyle Medicine Program, are published online in Nutrition and Metabolism.
Westman stated that a no-glycemic diet is better at improving blood sugar. Stated simply, people who cut out carbohydrates lower their blood sugar. Losing weight helps the blood sugar go down even further.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to the Mayo Clinic website, type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s metabolism for sugar, Type 2 diabetes is often preventable but is on the rise, largely due to the current epidemic of obesity.
While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, the condition can often be managed by eating healthy foods, exercising daily and maintaining a healthy eight. If the condition cannot be controlled by diet and exercise, you may need to take diabetes medication.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, and fatigue, and blurred vision, slow healing sore and frequent infections. The condition can progress into more serious long term complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage, skin conditions, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
If you have symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, see your doctor for a proper diagnoses.
Low Carbohydrate Diet
A low carbohydrate is generally a nutrition plan that restricts food high in carbohydrates, such as breads and pasta.
Foods that are low in carbohydrates include meats and some vegetables. Examples of low carbohydrate diets are the Atkins Plan and South Beach Diet. Low carbohydrate or no carbohydrate diets are not for everybody, as some people find them difficult to follow. Talk to you physician about whether a low carb diet is appropriate for you.
Information is this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, discuss questions with your physician.
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