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Review
. 2022 Feb 18:15:477-498.
doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S292742. eCollection 2022.

Adherence to Low-Carbohydrate Diets in Patients with Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Nitya Kalyani Kumar  1 , Jennifer D Merrill  2 , Scott Carlson  1 , Jashalynn German  1 , William S Yancy Jr  3
Affiliations
Review

Adherence to Low-Carbohydrate Diets in Patients with Diabetes: A Narrative Review

Nitya Kalyani Kumar et al. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. .

Abstract

Evidence suggests that low carbohydrate (<130 g/day of carbohydrate) (LCD) and very low carbohydrate, ketogenic diets (typically <50 g/day of carbohydrate) (VLCKD) can be effective tools for managing diabetes given their beneficial effects on weight loss and glycemic control. VLCKD also result in favorable lipid profile changes. However, these beneficial effects can be limited by poor dietary adherence. Cultural, religious, and economic barriers pose unique challenges to achieving nutritional compliance with LCD and VLCKD. We review the various methods for assessing adherence in clinical studies and obstacles posed, as well as potential solutions to these challenges.

Keywords: adherence; ketogenic diet; low carbohydrate diet; type 2 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr William S Yancy Jr reports personal fees from dietdoctor.com. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

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