Results
Twenty-one
of the 28 participants who were enrolled completed the study. Twenty participants
were men; 13 were White, 8 were African-American. The mean [± SD] age was 56.0
± 7.9 years and BMI was 42.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Hemoglobin A1c
decreased by 16% from 7.5 ± 1.4% to 6.3 ± 1.0% (p < 0.001) from baseline to
week 16. Diabetes medications were discontinued in 7 participants, reduced in
10 participants, and unchanged in 4 participants. The mean body weight
decreased by 6.6% from 131.4 ± 18.3 kg to 122.7 ± 18.9 kg (p < 0.001). In
linear regression analyses, weight change at 16 weeks did not predict change in
hemoglobin A1c. Fasting serum triglyceride decreased 42% from 2.69 ±
2.87 mmol/L to 1.57 ± 1.38 mmol/L (p = 0.001) while other serum lipid
measurements did not change significantly.
Conclusion
The
LCKD [KD] improved glycemic control in
patients with type 2 diabetes such that diabetes medications were discontinued
or reduced in most participants. Because the LCKD can be very effective at
lowering blood glucose, patients on diabetes medication who use this diet should
be under close medical supervision or capable of adjusting their medication.
