New Meta-Analysis Demonstrates the Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet, like the Atkins Diet, in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

DENVER, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A recently published meta-analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed 20 randomized control trials on the effect of various diets on glycemic control, lipids and weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The results found that a low-carb diet, like the Atkins Diet™, showed greater improvements in glycemic control biomarkers for type 2 diabetics and should be considered in the overall strategy of diabetes management. 

"We are very encouraged by the findings of the meta-analysis in that it demonstrates the beneficial effects of a low-carb diet among type 2 diabetics. This is critical, considering that the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 347 million people worldwide have diabetes with the majority of those having type 2 diabetes," said Colette Heimowitz, vice president of education and nutrition at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.  "This steady stream of new research validates the efficacy and safety of low-carb diets, and it continues to support the belief that the Atkins Diet is a valid option for people who are looking to address their type 2 diabetes."

In type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cells ignore the insulin produced.  Several trials documented the benefits of carbohydrate restriction on glycemic control and maintaining weight loss. Most impressively, there was a high level of improvement in the marker for longer term blood sugar readings, which measure the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood stream (HbA1c). The more glucose that is in the blood, the higher the HbA1c levels will read for patients.  Data from eight studies compared low-carb diets with controlled diets and found a significant decrease in the percentage of HbA1c in subjects who consumed low-carbs compared to other diets. These reductions were significant.

The researchers (Olubukola Ajala, Patrick English and Jonathan Pinkney) included randomized controlled trials with interventions that lasted over six months that compared low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, low-glycemic index (GI), high-fiber, Mediterranean, and high-protein diets with control diets including low-fat, high-GI, American Diabetes Association, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and low-protein diets. The 20 studies included 3,460 patients with final analyses in 3,073 patients. All participants were over 18 years old and 19 studies included both sexes.

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 frozen meals, 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.

SOURCE Atkins Nutritionals, Inc.