Association Between a Low-Carbohydrate Diet, Glycemic Control, and Quality of Life in Australian Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Objective: 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. Methods: This single-group, pre-post, mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) study was con-ducted in an outpatient tertiary hospital. Eligible participants were those aged >= 18 years, with type 1 diabetes for >= 1 year, and using multiple daily insulin injections. Participants followed a 12-week indi-vidualized LCD (<100 g/d). Daily glucose levels were monitored using a continuous glucose monitor. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and QoL were measured preintervention and postintervention. A post-hoc exploratory regression analysis determined whether changes in carbohydrate intake was associated with changes in HbA1c and QoL. Qualitative data collected postintervention explored participants' perceptions relating to a LCD, glycemic control, and QoL. Results: Participants (n = 22) completed the 12-week LCD intervention. An LCD provided a statistically, significant improvement in HbA1c 0.83% (95% CI 0.32%-1.33%), P = .003 but did not impact QoL: esti-mated 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 an LCD resulting in significant reductions in HbA1c. Participant perceptions relating to the study variables were mixed. Conclusions: An LCD (<100 g/d) is a potentially effective and safe strategy to improve glycemic control without negatively effecting QoL in Australian adults with type 1 diabetes.(c) 2022 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study examined the association between a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD), glycemic control, and quality of life (QoL) in Australian adults with type 1 diabetes. The results showed that an LCD significantly improved glycemic control without negatively affecting QoL. Participant perceptions regarding the variables were mixed.