Fat Versus Carbohydrate-Based Energy-Restricted Diets for Weight Loss in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose of Review

The prevalence of combined obesity and diabetes has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Although medical and surgical weight management are variably effective in addressing this epidemic, it is essential to parallel these strategies with a hypocaloric diet comprising the appropriate macronutrient composition to induce weight loss, enhance glycemic control, and improve cardiovascular risk factors. This review reports the current evidence of the role of carbohydrates and fat-based diets for weight management in patients with combined type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity.

Recent Findings

Low-carbohydrate diets were shown to decrease postprandial glucose levels whereas high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets are considered cardio-protective.

Summary

A diet with an optimal macronutrient composition remains uncertain for patients with combined T2D and obesity. Further research is still needed to define the best dietary composition that achieves the maximum benefits on weight management, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors.