The impact of low-carbohydrate diets (low carb) on patients with type 1 diabetes: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v23i6.3050Keywords:
Type 1 Diabetes; Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet; Carbohydrate.Abstract
Introduction: Low-carbohydrate diets have become popular, but there is still no consensus on their real effectiveness in different groups. Objective: A literature review was conducted on the impact of low-carbohydrate diets on patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: Articles were retrieved from the PubMed database, published between 2021 and 2025, using the keywords “diabetes” and “low carbohydrate diet.” Only clinical trials (randomized and non-randomized) with open access to the full text in English were included. The analysis followed PRISMA criteria to ensure methodological quality. Results: Initially, 262 articles were identified, and 11 were selected for analysis. A significant variation was observed across the studies, including differences in patient age, diet duration, and T1D diagnosis time. Overall, the studies indicated an improvement in hemoglobin A1c after adopting the low-carb diet, although some divergent results question this finding. No significant changes were observed in the lipid profile of participants, but some mineral deficiencies, such as calcium and magnesium, were noted. Conclusion: Although some studies suggest benefits in glycemic control with the low-carb diet, there is no consensus on its effectiveness in patients with T1D, highlighting the need for more controlled, long-term research to validate these results and investigate the potential risks and benefits of this dietary approach.
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