Diabetes and Low Carb Diets: The Controversy

There is intense debate about the benefits of low carb diets for people with diabetes

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 no 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, the idea low carbs diets exclude vegetables is something of a misconception.

A low carbohydrate for diabetes should ideally include enough vegetables, with relatively low carbohydrate content, in order to get the sufficient amount of daily vitamins and minerals.

One of the aims of a low carb diet is to remove the carbohydrates that have a more rapid effect on blood sugar levels, such as potatoes, rice, bread, sugary snacks and fizzy drinks.