PJ. Foley (2021). Effect of low carbohydrate diets on insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 28(5), 463-468. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000659

PubMed 34468401

[Abstract]
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review outlines recent research in the application of low carbohydrate diets (LCD) for insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

RECENT FINDINGS: Studies included in this review explore how a LCD can be used in the management of patients with IR and MetS. LCDs have been shown to result in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) remission, improve lipid profiles and dramatically reduce intrahepatic fat.

SUMMARY: The field of nutritional science is notoriously complex. The LCD has a simple narrative, which can easily and safely be applied in clinical practice. Current guidelines recognise and encourage the use of LCD as a valid option for patients with T2DM and obesity. Structured, evidence-based education should be available for all clinicians to increase confidence and ensure consistency and quality control. Further real-world evidence into the application and scalability of a LCD are required. The use of digital health solutions and improved health technology should see significant advances in this field, with dietary habit being driven by patient-derived health data in response to food, and not population-based food guidelines. The narrative around MetS and IR needs to change from progression to remission, with a LCD being a valid option for this.