A recent review published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation on July 24 reveals that long-term low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) are beneficial for managing cholesterol levels but do not improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Led by Takahiro Ichikawa from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan, the study analyzed data from six research trials to assess how long-term LCDs affect glycemic control compared to standard diets. The review found no significant difference in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, a key marker of blood sugar control, between those on LCDs and those on control diets.

Additionally, the study found no notable differences in weight loss, blood pressure, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol between the two diet groups. However, participants on LCDs experienced higher increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reductions in triglyceride levels compared to those on control diets.

The authors concluded that while long-term LCDs may improve cholesterol levels, they do not offer greater benefits over control diets in reducing HbA1c levels. They suggested that LCDs could still be a valuable option for managing cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Several authors of the study have disclosed connections to the pharmaceutical industry.