Efficacy and safety of carbohydrate restriction in patients with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Sensor-Based Glucose Metrics during Different Diet Compositions in Type 1 Diabetes—A Randomized One-Week Crossover Trial

“…Despite the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets among people with type 1 diabetes, there is limited scientific evidence regarding their metabolic effects, especially with respect to the ratio between fat and protein [ 9 , 11 , 12 , 16 ]. The finding that low-carbohydrate diets reduce glycemic variability is in line with previous studies [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…However, despite the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, evidence documenting their effects is limited [ 9 , 11 ]. Short-term studies (1 to 12 weeks) in people with HbA1c values close to target (6.8–7.5% (51–58 mmol/mol)) have demonstrated increased TIR, decreased TBR, and reduction in the coefficient of variation but similar mean glucose with carbohydrate-restricted diets compared with unrestricted diets [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The additional potential benefits of a low-carbohydrate diet may include reduced insulin requirements and weight loss [ 13 , 14 ].…”

“…If carbohydrate intake is reduced, dietary fat and/or protein content need to be increased to meet calorie needs. However, little is known about the effects of substituting carbohydrates with fat and protein, respectively [ 12 ].…”

Moderated intake of carbohydrates has moderate glycaemic benefits in type 1 diabetes

“…Yet, evidence of their efficacy and safety is still sparse. 7 Variations in the specific ratio between carbohydrates, fat, and protein may very well affect glycaemic outcomes and other cardiovascular risk factors. Beyond this the quality of energy sources, degree of diet implementation, and type of insulin regimen (automated vs manual insulin bolus delivery) are of great importance and worthy of consideration.…”