Low-carb diet may improve beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients

Following a low-carb diet may potentially help patients manage disease more effectively and reduce medication use.

Study: Effects of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on β-Cell Response in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Image Credit: Dulin/Shutterstock.com
Study: Effects of a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet on β-Cell Response in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Image Credit: Dulin/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, a group of researchers evaluated the impact of a eucaloric carbohydrate-restricted (CR) diet on beta (β)-cell (pancreatic cell that produces insulin) response to glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (chronic high blood sugar due to insulin resistance) compared to a higher carbohydrate (HC) diet.

Background 

β-Cell failure and insulin resistance contribute to the onset and progression of T2D, with a decline in first-phase insulin secretion playing a critical role in glucose management. Inadequate first-phase response leads to elevated glucose and insulin levels, causing complications like glycosylation (attachment of sugar to proteins or lipids) and lipid abnormalities. Existing T2D medications do not enhance first-phase secretion, and treatment costs are high.

Although bariatric surgery (surgery for weight loss by altering the digestive system) and very-low-calorie diets can improve glycemic control and β-cell function, there is a need for less invasive, sustainable solutions. Further research is essential to identify dietary interventions that restore β-cell function and to investigate racial differences in responsiveness.

About the study 

Participants in the present study included African American (AA) and European American (EA) adults with T2D, identified through self-reported race. Inclusion criteria comprised a T2D diagnosis within the past decade, treatment with dietary changes or specific medications, and being aged 35 to 65 years, with a glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 8.0 or lower and a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 50. Participants with glucocorticoid use, significant weight changes, or substance abuse were excluded. Medications were paused prior to baseline assessments, and fasting glucose levels were monitored. 

Diets (CR, HC) were crafted by a registered dietitian and tailored weekly, with participants preparing their meals at a caloric level intended to maintain weight. At baseline and after 12 weeks, participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a hyperglycemic clamp. Blood samples were collected to analyze glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels. The first-phase C-peptide index and the Disposition Index (DI) were calculated to assess β-cell function. Statistical analyses included Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t-tests to analyze dietary impacts on outcomes across different racial groups.

Study results 

A total of 65 participants were enrolled in the study, which included AA and EA adults diagnosed with T2D. Eight participants withdrew themselves from the study for various reasons like personal issues, nonadherence to the diet, and a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shutdown. Ultimately, 57 participants completed the 12-week diet intervention, successfully finishing both the baseline OGTT and hyperglycemic clamp, while some participants contributed data from only one of the tests. At the outset, all participants had their medications removed. Three individuals resumed metformin during the intervention, with two assigned to the HC diet and one to the CR diet.

The ANCOVA revealed significant findings at 12 weeks regarding acute and maximal C-peptide responses. Overall, the CR diet produced a two-fold increase in acute C-peptide response compared to the HC diet, with similar significant improvements observed in the AA group, but not in the EA group. For maximal C-peptide response, the CR diet led to a 22% increase in all participants combined and a 48% increase specifically in EAs. In terms of the DI, the CR diet resulted in a 32% increase overall and a notable 48% increase in AAs.

While no changes in insulin sensitivity were detected from the hyperglycemic clamp, the Matsuda index derived from the OGTT also remained unchanged. Notably, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels were comparatively higher on the CR diet compared to the HC diet at 12 weeks, and the increase in BHB was greater in the CR group. 

Conclusions 

To summarize, results indicated that a CR diet significantly enhanced acute and maximal C-peptide responses compared to an HC diet. While insulin sensitivity remained unchanged, the CR diet showed potential as a practical approach to restore β-cell function, particularly in EA. These findings align with previous research supporting dietary carbohydrate restriction for improving metabolic health in T2D patients, suggesting that a eucaloric CR diet may enable individuals to maintain an enjoyable diet while enhancing β-cell function.

Journal reference:
Vijay Kumar Malesu

Written by

Vijay Kumar Malesu

Vijay holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and possesses a deep passion for microbiology. His academic journey has allowed him to delve deeper into understanding the intricate world of microorganisms. Through his research and studies, he has gained expertise in various aspects of microbiology, which includes microbial genetics, microbial physiology, and microbial ecology. Vijay has six years of scientific research experience at renowned research institutes such as the Indian Council for Agricultural Research and KIIT University. He has worked on diverse projects in microbiology, biopolymers, and drug delivery. His contributions to these areas have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and the ability to tackle complex research challenges.    

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Kumar Malesu, Vijay. (2024, October 24). Low-carb diet may improve beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients. News-Medical. Retrieved on November 01, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241024/Low-carb-diet-may-improve-beta-cell-function-in-type-2-diabetes-patients.aspx.

  • MLA

    Kumar Malesu, Vijay. "Low-carb diet may improve beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients". News-Medical. 01 November 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241024/Low-carb-diet-may-improve-beta-cell-function-in-type-2-diabetes-patients.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Kumar Malesu, Vijay. "Low-carb diet may improve beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241024/Low-carb-diet-may-improve-beta-cell-function-in-type-2-diabetes-patients.aspx. (accessed November 01, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Kumar Malesu, Vijay. 2024. Low-carb diet may improve beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes patients. News-Medical, viewed 01 November 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20241024/Low-carb-diet-may-improve-beta-cell-function-in-type-2-diabetes-patients.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Space-based research uncovers key to cancer cell survival