Research Library

Effects of the Atkins Diet in Type 2 Diabetes

Boden, G., Sargrad, K., Homoko, C., et al., "Effects of the Atkins Diet in Type 2 Diabetes: Metabolic Balance Studies," 64th session of the American Diabetes Association, #321-OR, June 8, 2004.

The following information was written by Atkins professionals.

Ten obese volunteers with diabetes followed the Induction phase of the Atkins diet (21 grams of carbohydrates). After 2 weeks, results showed an almost 1000 calorie decrease in total calories (3111 calories down to 2181 calories) and a 5.25 pound weight loss that was attributed predominantly to fat, not water. Fasting blood sugar dropped from 135 to113mg/dl, A1c decreased from 7.5% to 6.8%, and there were significant reductions in blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride (158 to102mg/dl), cholesterol (181 to164 mg/dl) and leptin levels. Insulin sensitivity improved by approximately seventy percent. The authors of this ADA funded study concluded, “short-term use of the Atkins diet in patients with type 2 diabetes caused weight loss due mainly to reduced caloric intake, improved insulin sensitivity and glycemic control and reduced plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The following information was written by Atkins professionals.

Ten obese men and women with type 2 diabetes were instructed to follow Induction for two weeks. Induction led to weight loss that was predominantly fat loss, with additional improvements in blood sugar control, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Short-term use of Induction was effective in helping manage type 2 diabetes in these obese individuals.