New International Study Demonstrates the Power of Low-Carb Diets In the Fight Against Diabetes

DENVER, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 347 million people worldwide have diabetes and this figure is expected to increase by two thirds by 2030. A new international study published in the October issue of the medical journal Nutrition, compared low-carb with low-calorie diets in obese and diabetic patients and found that a low-carb approach, such as the Atkins Diet^™, can assist in reversing this global trend. The study found that health markers improved more substantially in the low-carb group and diabetic patients experienced positive markers for longer term blood sugar readings.

Of 363 overweight and obese patients, which were recruited for a 24-week diet intervention trial, 102 of the patients had type-2 diabetes. The patients in the low-carb group saw positive improvement in their health markers, which were measured at two week intervals over the period.  Health markers measured included: body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose level, total cholesterol and triglycerides among others.

In particular, the low-carb diet had significant positive effects on body weight, waist measurement, serum triacylglycerols and glycemic control in participants with type-2 diabetes. Most impressively, there was a high level of improvement in the marker for longer term blood sugar readings (HbA1c). This improvement in glycemic control was due in most part to diet, because the diabetics reduced by half or discontinued their medications at the beginning of the study. During the study, participants, who reported cravings or reached half their weight loss goal, were instructed to eat more vegetables such as salad greens or other low-carb  vegetables, cheese, nuts or other low-carb snacks. 

Atkins Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Similar to the low-carb diet followed in the study, the Atkins Diet, the original and leading low-carb weight loss plan, recommends a wide array of vegetables, low glycemic fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and adequate proteins. Supported by over 80 independent, peer-reviewed studies, Atkins™ is a long-term, well balanced diet that teaches individuals to find their own personal carb balance, to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, by slowly adding more foods to their diets while continuing to lose weight or maintain weight loss long term.

About Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.
Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. is a leader in the $2.4 billion weight control nutrition category, and offers a powerful lifetime approach to weight loss and management. The Atkins Diet focuses on a healthy diet with reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars and encourages the consumption of protein, fiber, fruits, vegetables and good fats. Backed by research and consumer success stories, this approach allows the body to burn more fat and work more efficiently while helping individuals feel less hungry, more satisfied and more energetic.

Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutritional principles of the Atkins Diet™. Atkins' four product lines: Advantage®, Day Break™, Endulge™ and Cuisine™ appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available online at atkins.com and in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information, visit atkins.com.

STUDY DETAILS:
Effect of low-calorie versus low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes
Nutrition Vol. 28, Issue 10, Pages 1016-1021
Authors: Talib A. Hussain,  Thazhumpal C. Mathew, Ali  A. Dashti, Sami Asfar, Naji Al-Zaid, Hussein M. Dashti et al.
World Health Organization, "Fact sheet N°312", September 2012 (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs312/en/)

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.