The study analyzed 34 years of health data from 7,224 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study and 2,877 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, all of whom developed type 2 diabetes after the studies began. Participants filled out lifestyle and medical history questionnaires every two years, which allowed the researchers to assess the composition of their diets and rate them according to their intake of animal proteins and fats, plant proteins and fats, high-quality carbohydrates and low-quality carbohydrates. .
The results of the study revealed a 24% reduction in mortality among those following a low-carb diet plan. Health benefits were stronger for low-carb diets that focused on plant-based foods and high-quality carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These diets have also been associated with reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing animal products and low-quality carbohydrates, such as potatoes, added sugars, and refined grains, were not significantly associated with lower mortality.
Habits Matter
Researchers observed the strongest health benefits among people who followed a plant-based low-carb diet along with other healthy habits, such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and drinking moderate amounts of alcohol.
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“This study once again highlights the importance of diet quality when choosing between different diets to control and manage diabetes,” said Qi Sun, senior author and associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology.
Reference:
- Low-Carbohydrate Diet Scores and Mortality Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes – (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36787923/)
Source: Medium
