Weight Loss is a big concern in the diabetic community. Online I found much debate over whether a low carb diet is appropriate. NEWS FLASH IT IS!!! Research supports the effectiveness of low carb diets to achieve weight loss  and benefit those living with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) supports a low carb diet (consuming less than 130 g carbs) as a means of effective weight loss with saturated fat intake at less than 7% of total calories consumed daily. They note that as an added benefit lower carb diets show favorable changes in triglyceride and HDL cholesterol, while lowering A1C in type 2 Diabetes patients. The ADA goes on to say, “Monitoring carbohydrate[s], whether by carbohydrate counting, exchanges, or experience-based estimation, remains a key strategy in achieving glycemic control.” They add that people living with diabetes would achieve added benefits in glycemic control when coupling a low carb diet with the glycemic index. The Atkins Diet & South Beach Diet are examples of this method.

References

American Diabetes Association. (2009, January) Diabetes Care. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2009, 32, Retrieved September 15, 2009, from http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/Supplement_1/S13.full?sid=bbbac6db-a900-4653-98a1-395090de4a14