low carb good for type 1 diabetics

[Guest guest]

This article originally posted 27 September, 2009 and appeared in

Issue 488

Lower Carbohydrate/Higher Monounsaturated Diet Works for Type 1's

A diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in monounsaturated fats is

appropriate nutritional therapy for patients with Type 1 diabetes who have

good metabolic

and weight control, according to a new published report.

Dr. Irene Strychar from University of Montreal Hospital Center in Quebec,

Canada, stated that, " A referral to a registered dietitian is suggested to

ensure

that patients understand the principles underlying their diet approach....

For those following the higher monounsaturated fat diet, olive oil is

substituted

for carbohydrates -- it is not 'an addition' to the diet. "

Dr. Strychar and colleagues compared the effects of a eucaloric diet higher

in carbohydrate/lower in fat versus one lower in carbohydrate/higher in

monounsaturated

fat on 24-hour triglyceride and glycemic excursions and other cardiovascular

risk factors in a 6-month study of 30 patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Patients randomized to the lower carbohydrate/higher monounsaturated fat

diet had a 2% increase in weight (compared to a small loss among patients on

the

higher carbohydrate/lower fat diet) and a 16% decrease in plasminogen

activator inhibitor I levels (compared to an increase among patients on the

higher

carbohydrate/lower fat diet).

Otherwise there were no significant differences, either at baseline or at 6

months, in clinical and biochemical results between the two groups of

patients.

Triglyceride profiles tended to be lower in the lower carbohydrate/higher

monounsaturated fat group, and glycemic levels after supper were higher in

the

higher carbohydrate/lower fat group, the researchers note.

" Our results are in keeping with the American Diabetes Association statement

that it is unlikely that an optimal mix of macronutrients exists for the

diabetic

state, " the investigators say.

" As part of a Montreal Diabetes Research Center initiative, we are

investigating the effects of the two diets on blood glucose excursions out

of the hospital

setting, using continuous glucose monitoring systems for three days, " noted

Dr. Strychar.

As to which dietary approach is better, Dr. Strychar concluded, " Both

approaches are recommended and patients can be involved in the decision

process. "