Low-carb diets for type 2 diabetes remission

A

low-carb diet

type 2 diabetes

We’re going to explore whether a low-carb diet can help you put your type 2 diabetes into remission, drawing on evidence from clinical studies and real-life experiences.

What is a low-carb diet?

People have different ideas on how low carb a low-carb diet is. And there are lots of different ways people do a low-carb diet. You may have heard of the keto diet, the paleo diet or the Atkins diet.

But we say following a low-carb diet means eating less than 130g of carbohydrates a day. As a rough guide:

• A medium-sized slice of bread has around 15 to 20g of carbs.
• A large jacket potato has about 90g.

This approach focuses on cutting starchy and sugary foods while emphasizing vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and nuts. Low-carb diets typically range from 50-130g carbs daily, distinguishing them from very low-carb or ketogenic diets that go below 50g.

By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, fish, lean meats, eggs, avocados, and olive oil, individuals can feel fuller longer, aiding adherence. Studies highlight that such diets improve blood glucose, reduce medication needs, and support weight loss without the need for formula replacements.

Does a low-carb diet work for type 2 diabetes remission?

We know that a low-carb diet can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes. This is because it can help you lose weight.

Remission means achieving HbA1c below 48mmol/mol (6.5%) without diabetes medications for at least three months, often through 10-15kg (10-15% body weight) loss, ideally within 6 years of diagnosis.

Evidence shows low-carb diets are effective for weight loss, glucose management, and reducing heart disease risk factors. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol too. Unlike very low-calorie diets (VLCD) like the 800-calorie DiRECT study (which achieved nearly 50% remission), low-carb approaches lack identical remission trials but show strong results in blood glucose improvements and medication reduction.

“I was basically eating a very high-carb diet, but at the time I didn’t realise the impact carbs were having on my body. I was never a big rice eater anyway, so it was mostly the naan, chapati, and potatoes I cut down on and introduced more vegetables into my diet. I recognised that I needed to make a substantial change to my diet, however this needed to be a change that I could also sustain. So when guests visit, I can join them in some curry, naan and rice without overindulging.” – Read more of Mohammed’s type 2 remission story.

Many achieve better mental well-being, sleep, and energy levels alongside remission. For those diagnosed recently, losing 15kg in 3-5 months maximizes chances.

Is a low-carb diet right for me?

Everyone is different. Your healthcare team is best placed to help you decide if a low-carb diet is right for you if you want to try going into type 2 diabetes remission.

If you’re taking insulin or diabetes medication to treat your diabetes, it’s especially important you speak to your GP or diabetes nurse before you start a low-carb diet. This is because the amount of carbohydrates you eat has the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels.

If you’re taking insulin or sulphonylureas, reducing the amount of carbs you eat without adjusting the medications could lead to your blood sugars falling too low, also known as a hypo.

Your healthcare team will be able to give you advice on any adjustments to your insulin or diabetes medication that are needed to keep you safe on a low-carb diet.

Some people find that one of the benefits of a low-carb diet is that it’s quite easy to follow when you’re eating with other people. So, if having a diet that fits in with other people is important to you, it might be worth exploring.

Considerations include:

• Nutritional balance: Ensure adequate vitamins, minerals, and fiber from non-starchy veggies.
• Sustainability: Choose approaches you can maintain long-term to prevent weight regain.
• Health conditions: Discuss with your team if you have kidney issues or other comorbidities.

Low-carb isn’t one-size-fits-all; alternatives like Mediterranean or intermittent fasting also aid remission.

Sample low-carb meal ideas

To illustrate, here’s a table of daily carb estimates for common meals:

These keep you under 130g while providing satiety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How quickly can I expect results from a low-carb diet?

A: Weight loss and blood sugar improvements can start within weeks, with remission possible after 10-15kg loss, especially early post-diagnosis.

Q: Can I eat fruit on a low-carb diet?

A: Yes, in moderation—berries (10-20g carbs per serving) are better than high-sugar fruits like bananas.

Q: Will I need to change my medications?

A: Likely yes, if on insulin or sulphonylureas—consult your healthcare team to avoid hypos.

Q: Is low-carb safe long-term?

A: Evidence supports safety for type 2 diabetes management when balanced and monitored.

Q: How does low-carb compare to low-calorie diets?

A: Both promote weight loss for remission; low-carb focuses on carb reduction, low-calorie on total intake (e.g., 800kcal VLCD).

Where can I go for more information?

• Speak to your healthcare team before cutting down on the carbs you eat. They’ll be able to give you personalised advice on how this might affect you, your diabetes, medications you might be taking, and any other health conditions you may have.
• Check out our low-carb diet and meal plan for 7 days worth of low-carb recipes.
• Explore support for type 2 diabetes remission programmes in your area.
• Our recipe finder has lots of ideas for healthy, balanced, low-carb meal ideas.

Low-carb diets offer a flexible path to remission, backed by evidence and stories like Mohammed’s. Always prioritize professional guidance for safety.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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