The low-carbohydrate diet and cardiovascular risk factors: Evidence from epidemiologic studies

Recent randomized controlled trials document that low-carbohydrate diets not only decrease body weight but also improve cardiovascular risk factors. In light of this evidence from randomized controlled trials, dietary guidelines should be re-visited advocating a healthy low carbohydrate dietary pattern as an alternative dietary strategy for the prevention of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors.

A Pilot Study of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet for Obesity-Related Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, and is frequently associated with central obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Because recent evidence demonstrates that a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) leads to weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity, we conducted this uncontrolled trial of the diet for PCOS.

The Effect of a Low-carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Versus a Low-glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Dietary modification led to improvements in glycemic control and medication reduction/elimination in motivated volunteers with type 2 diabetes. The diet lower in carbohydrate led to greater improvements in glycemic control, and more frequent medication reduction/elimination than the low glycemic index diet. Lifestyle modification using low carbohydrate interventions is effective for improving and reversing type 2 diabetes.

A Pilot Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The study focused on overweight individuals with BMI >25 and being treated with OHA (oral hypoglycemic agents) or insulin that were placed on a LCKD (low carbohydrate ketogenic diet) for 16 weeks. Anthropometric changes include: Body weight = -10%, BMI = -10%, Waist circumference = -7%, Body fat % = -3%, Systolic BP = -9%, Diastolic BP = -15%, Heart Rate = -12%, HDL = no change.