Can a Low-Carb Diet Cure Diabetes?
The use of low-carbohydrate dietary approaches (LCDs) in people with Type 2 diabetes is not new, but standard care around much of the world has focused on the use of a low-fat, calorie-controlled diet—in line with that usually recommended for the general population—for much of the last few decades.
Introduction
Low-carbohydrate diets have been advocated as an effective method for promoting weight loss in overweight and obese individuals and preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the differences between various low-carbohydrate eating plans and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of such a diet based on available evidence.
Low-Carb Diets for Diabetes
Low-carb diets have been found to be effective in managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar management. A recent study involving 186 patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that a low-carbohydrate diet helped over half of the participants achieve remission.
Low-Carb Diet Benefits

- Improved blood sugar control
- Reduced risk of complications
- Weight loss
- Improved insulin sensitivity
Low-Carb Diet Drawbacks
- Nutrient deficiencies if not properly planned
- Increased risk of ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes
- Need for close monitoring of blood sugar levels
Can a Low-Carb Diet Cure Diabetes?
While a low-carb diet can help manage diabetes, it may not be able to cure the condition. However, it can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications. A recent systematic review has found that low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) and ketogenic diets (KDs) are effective and viable strategies for achieving and maintaining remission in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).