Diabetes and Low Carb Diets: The Controversy

A low carbohydrate diet is not a new phenomenon in the diet world, nor is it new theory as a suitable diet for people with diabetes.

The benefits of restricting carbohydrates have long been suggested by many different nutritionists, doctors and dieticians. It has been known in the past as the ‘diabetes diet’ simply because of its positive effect on blood sugar levels and improvement in insulin production and effect.

One example of the global impact of a low carbohydrate diet is the Atkins Diet, popularised in a series of books named Dr Atkins’ Diet Revolution, first published in 1972. It has been the most notorious low carbohydrate diet and the cause of much debate and speculation. Most of the diet’s controversies come as a result of the apparent ‘eat as much as you like’ stereotype.

One of the fundamental rules of the Atkins diet that there is not restriction or limit to the amount of protein a person can consume. This has caused disputes as there is medical research supporting links between high protein diets and kidney disease, gout and heart problems.

Low carb criticisms

In addition to this, a low carbohydrate diet has been criticised by nutritionists and medical experts arguing that the best proteins and fats come from vegetable sources many of which are also high in carbohydrate. Therefore, by removing these vegetables from the diet a person is also missing out on all the macro and micro nutrients supplied by them.

However, it could be argued that a low carbohydrate diet isn’t a no carbohydrate diet, and should maybe be rebranded the ‘no bad carbohydrate diet’, that way a person is able to remove the carbohydrates from their diet that have a negative and potentially unnecessary effect on blood sugar levels.

This type of carbohydrate is common in sugary snacks and fizzy drinks.