Diabetes UK Suggests a Low Carb Diet for Type 2 Diabetics

Saturday, December 31st, 2011 at 9:44 pm

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Diabetics are Finally Getting Some Good Advice – Diabetes UK

The American Diabetes Association has, for some time, recommended low fat and relatively high carbohydrate diets (45 – 65 % Carbs) for Type 2 Diabetics. This has received considerable criticism from low carb (along with moderate dietary fat) advocates because of the known effectiveness of low carb diets in reducing weight and actually reversing Type 2 Diabetes. A British Diabetes authority, Diabetes UK, joined the fray in March of 2011 by suggesting that Type 2 Diabetics consider low carb diets. This is very good news for Diabetics.

In its position paper, Diabetes UK stated that low carb diets plans have been discussed for 2 decades with respect to treatment for Type 2 Diabetes because of their apparent effectiveness in reducing weight and in optimizing blood sugar levels. After a review of evidence from 1998 to 2009, Diabetes UK has recommended that (to avoid the onset or reduce the severity of Type 2 Diabetes) patients should

· Consider losing weight with the aid of a dietician.

· Consider low carb weight loss as an option being aware of possible side effects such as the risk of head-aches, hypoglycemia, constipation and lack of concentration.

· Consider monitoring blood glucose levels to assess the need for medication

· Monitor the diet to make sure it is nutritionally adequate

· Restrict carbohydrates as agreed upon by a dietician.

This is of course very safe language but it clearly opens the door for Diabetics to try low carb diets. The hang-up for Diabetes UK on fully suggesting Diabetics that use low carb diets is that the studies of the health and weight loss effectiveness of low carb diets (like almost all the diets) are conducted for generally no more than a year.

The American Diabetes Association needs to wake up and take a similar step in suggesting something (like low carb) that works for their Diabetics instead of just counting on medication.

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