Highlights
American Diabetes Association Updates Position on Low-Carb Diets
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has revised its position on low-carbohydrate diets. According to the ADA, increasing evidence indicates that weight loss plans that restrict carbohydrate or fat intake can help reduce weight in the short term (up to 1 year). Until this year, the ADA did not recommend low-carb diets due to a lack of scientific evidence.
- According to the ADA, the most important component of a weight loss plan is not its dietary composition, but whether or not a person can stick with it. The ADA found that both low-carb and low-fat diets work equally well, and patients may have a personal preference for one plan or the other.
- Patients with kidney problems need to limit their protein intake and should be careful about replacing carbohydrates with large amounts of protein foods. These patients should receive regular blood tests to monitor their lipid (blood fat and cholesterol) levels and kidney function while on a low-carb diet.
General Recommendations for Diabetes Diet
- Patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes should consult a registered dietician who is knowledgeable about diabetes nutrition. An experienced dietician can provide valuable advice and help create an individualized diet plan.
- Modest weight loss can improve insulin resistance (the basic problem in type2 diabetes) in people with pre-diabetes or diabetes who are overweight or obese. Physical activity, in addition to diet modification, is important. Some patients may benefit from weight-loss medications when used along with lifestyle changes.
- The ADA encourages consumption of healthy fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. But it is also important to monitor carbohydrate intake through carbohydrate counting, exchanges, or estimation.
