T1D Low Carb study shows sig improvement in TIR

[ianf0ster]

This effect has been fairly well known for years, but only N=1 anecdotal evidence. Now an RCT

Dr David Unwin Tweets:
Progress an RCT @idlake ! This fits with my clinical experience that People with T1D who choose to go lower carb use about 50% less insulin

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(23)00218-1/fulltext

 

[In Response]

Let’s not get too excited. The article you reference calls it MODERATE carbs. It is NOT low carb. It was a small trial (only 50 people) over a very short period (4 weeks) and their CGM was masked which is no longer representative of how most people with Type 1 manage their diabetes.

A far better comparison would be with people adjusting their insulin based on their CGM readings.

 

[JAT1]

Early on in my diabetic journey I was influenced by the work of Dr Richard Bernstein and his book "The Diabetes Solution" and lowered my carbs significantly, now on average about 80 to 110 carbs per day - less than that and I lose weight. It works very well for me. My blood sugar is nearly always in range. My insulin needs are usually 7 long acting and 10 short acting per day.

 

[EllieM]

Although I agree with @In Response that the study is small and frustratingly limited (if you guess an average calorie intake of approx 2000 a day that is about 150g a day and it would be better if the cgms weren't masked) it may encourage people to do more comprehensive studies.

I would have though that like Dr Unwin most clinicians know how many carbs their T1s claim to eat, so it would be relatively easy to compare that with hba1cs ....