Available online 10 August 2022

A low carbohydrate diet has glycemic control benefits in type 1 diabetes.

A low carbohydrate diet improved HbA1c.

A low carbohydrate diet reduced glycemic variability.

A low carbohydrate diet did not negatively impact quality of life.

Participants reported a low carbohydrate diet was easy to follow.

To examine if there is an association between a low carbohydrate diet (LCD), glycemic control, and quality of life (QoL) in Australian adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

This single-group, pre-post, mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) study was conducted in an outpatient tertiary hospital. Eligible participants: aged ≥18 years, with T1D for ≥1 year, and using multiple daily insulin injections. Participants followed a 12-week individualized LCD (<100g/day). Daily glucose levels were monitored using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and QoL were measured pre- and post-intervention. A post-hoc exploratory regression analysis determined whether changes in carbohydrate intake was associated with changes in HbA1c and QoL. Qualitative data collected post-intervention explored participants’ perceptions relating to a LCD, glycemic control, and QoL.

Participants (n=22) completed the 12-week LCD intervention. A LCD provided a statistically, significant improvement in HbA1c 0.83% (95%CI 0.32% to 1.33%), P=.003 but did not impact QoL: estimated change 1.14 units (95%CI: -5.34 to 7.61); P=.72. The post-hoc exploratory regression analysis showed that participants with poorer baseline glycemic control were more likely to respond to a LCD resulting in significant reductions in HbA1c. Participant perceptions relating to the study variables were mixed.

A LCD (<100g/day) is a potentially effective and safe strategy to improve glycemic control without negatively effecting QoL in Australia adults with T1D.

type 1 diabetes

adult

HbA1c

low carbohydrate diet

quality of life

credentialed diabetes educator

continuous glucose monitor

kilograms per meter square

multiple daily injection

millimoles per liter

millimoles per mole

randomized control trial

© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the AACE.