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Diabetes Dietary Study- Low Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets in Type 2 Diabetes

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes
Interventions
Behavioral: low-carbohydrate diet
Behavioral: low-fat diet
Registration Number
NCT00795691
Lead Sponsor
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet on glucose control in patients who have Type 2 Diabetes.

Detailed Description

Obesity is not only a risk factor for type 2 diabetes but it also frequently increases the need for insulin requirement in people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese. However, since insulin is a lipogenic hormone, insulin or sulfonylurea therapy that increases circulating insulin levels often results in additional weight gain. Controlled-carbohydrate "ketogenic" diets have been popular as an alternative way of losing weight, but little is known about the safety and efficacy of using a ketogenic approach in the management of overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

The proposed study will randomize a group of 126 overweight or obese (BMI \> 25 and \< 40) adults with type 2 diabetes to either a low-carbohydrate or a low-fat weight loss diet. The primary study endpoint will be six and twelve month changes in glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary endpoints include adiposity (BMI, body composition and fat distribution); blood glucose patterns (from self-monitoring records); change in antidiabetic medications (potential decrease in number and dosage), lipids, insulin sensitivity from a meal tolerance test, other metabolic markers (C-reactive protein, leptin) and participants' lifestyle (physical activity and diet) and perceptions of satiety, quality of life, mood, and well-being.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
105
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
  • HbA1c 7-10%
  • BMI (kg/m2) > 25 and < 40 and weight < 280 lb.
  • Skill at and willingness to perform capillary blood glucose self-monitoring ---Insulin (changed to long-acting basal during run-in) or sulfonylurea treatment
Exclusion Criteria
  • Age > 65
  • Weight >280 lb
  • Health conditions that may interfere with study participation or for which the study interventions may be contraindicated. These include: kidney stones or kidney disease (creatinine > 1.3 and 1.5 mg/dL for females and males, respectively; proteinuria > 300 ug/g creatinine); liver or gall bladder disease; significant heart disease (myocardial infarction in the past six months, prior or current evidence of congestive heart failure, other evidence of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction) or other indices of active cardiac abnormalities, (angina, electrocardiogram evidence of ischemia or transmural myocardial infarction), significant anemia; and cancer (other than effectively treated non melanomatous skin cancer and surgically treated cervical cancer in situ).
  • Current hypokalemia defined as serum potassium levels <3.5 mg/dL.
  • Osteoporosis
  • Type 1 diabetes (history of ketoacidosis or undetectable fasting C-peptide levels)
  • History of severe or repeated hypoglycemia, or hypoglycemia unawareness. Lack of recourse to another person in the immediate vicinity in the unlikely event that they require outside assistance for severe hypoglycemia.
  • Triglyceride levels > 400 mg/dL.
  • Inability or unwillingness to comply with any aspects of the dietary and research protocol.
  • Weight changes > 10 lbs in the past three months.
  • History of binge eating disorder or other eating disorders.
  • Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant in the next 12 months.
  • Current oral hypoglycemic medication that raises the blood insulin level

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Low-carbohydrate dietlow-carbohydrate dietThe low-carbohydrate diet was based on the Atkins weight loss diet. The daily intake goals were to restrict intake of carbohydrate to 20-25 grams for the first 2-week phase. If body weight decreased, the daily goal for carbohydrate was increased by 5 grams. If body weight increased, the daily goal for carbohydrate intake was decreased by 5 grams. The minimum goal for carbohydrate intake was 20 grams per day and the maximum goal was 50 grams per day.
Low-fat dietlow-fat dietThe low-fat diet was based on the algorithm used to restrict fat and calorie intake in the Diabetes Prevention Program. The daily goals for fat intake was based on an algorithm to reduce total calorie intake to achieve a one pound weight loss per week with 25% of calories from fat.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Hemoglobin A1c at month 33 months into treatment

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin (a blood pigment that carries oxygen) that is bound to glucose. HbA1c level indicates blood glucose levels over the previous 2 - 3 months. HbA1c values between 4 and 5.6 are considered normal. HbA1c values greater than 6.5 indicate diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c at month 66 months into treatment

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin (a blood pigment that carries oxygen) that is bound to glucose. HbA1c level indicates blood glucose levels over the previous 2 - 3 months. HbA1c values between 4 and 5.6 are considered normal. HbA1c values greater than 6.5 indicate diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c at month 1212 months into treatment

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin (a blood pigment that carries oxygen) that is bound to glucose. HbA1c level indicates blood glucose levels over the previous 2 - 3 months. HbA1c values between 4 and 5.6 are considered normal. HbA1c values greater than 6.5 indicate diabetes.

Change in Body Weight at month 3Baseline and 3 months into treatment

Change in body weight often reflects the effects of dietary changes. Generally, an increase in body weight is correlated with increasing blood glucose levels while a decrease in body weight correlates to decreasing blood glucose levels. Dietary changes that result in decreased body weight will be associated with better glucose control.

Change in Body Weight at month 6Baseline and 6 months into treatment

Change in body weight often reflects the effects of dietary changes. Generally, an increase in body weight is correlated with increasing blood glucose levels while a decrease in body weight correlates to decreasing blood glucose levels. Dietary changes that result in decreased body weight will be associated with better glucose control.

Change in Body Weight at month 12Baseline and 12 months into treatment

Change in body weight often reflects the effects of dietary changes. Generally, an increase in body weight is correlated with increasing blood glucose levels while a decrease in body weight correlates to decreasing blood glucose levels. Dietary changes that result in decreased body weight will be associated with better glucose control.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Lean Body Mass at month 12Baseline and 12 months into treatment

A bioelectrical impedance analysis scale is used to measure lean body mass. A higher proportion of lean mass is associated with better blood sugar control.

Change in insulin sensitivity at month 6Baseline and 6 months into treatment

Insulin sensitivity is calculated from the fasting blood glucose and insulin levels derived from laboratory tests. An increase in insulin sensitivity relates to better blood glucose control. A reduction in insulin sensitivity is related to poorer blood glucose control.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at month 66 months into treatment

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol measures cardiovascular risk. LDL cholesterol is expected to be reduced with weight loss. This change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Change in Body Fat at month 6Baseline and 6 months into treatment

A bioelectrical impedance analysis scale is used to measure body fat. Having a higher proportion of body fat is associated with poorer blood glucose control.

Change in antidiabetic medication dosage at month 3Baseline and 3 months into treatment

If medication dosage is reduced, it generally indicates that blood glucose is better controlled. If dosage increases, it generally indicates that blood glucose was not well controlled.

Dietary protein intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 1212 months into treatment

Dietary protein intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of protein are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in protein intake (relative to carbohydrate) will result in loss of body fat and reduction in body weight, while a decrease in protein intake(relative to carbohydrate) will result in increased body fat and body weight.

Change in Body Fat at month 12Baseline and 12 months into treatment

A bioelectrical impedance analysis scale is used to measure body fat. Having a higher proportion of body fat is associated with poorer blood glucose control.

Change in Lean Body Mass at month 6Baseline and 6 months into treatment

A bioelectrical impedance analysis scale is used to measure lean body mass. Having a higher proportion of lean body mass is associated with better blood sugar control.

Change in antidiabetic medication dosage at month 6Baseline and 6 months into treatment

If medication dosage is reduced, it generally indicates that blood glucose is better controlled. If dosage increases, it generally indicates that blood glucose was not well controlled.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at month 1212 months into treatment

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol measures cardiovascular risk. LDL cholesterol is expected to be reduced with weight loss. This change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Change in antidiabetic medication dosage at month 12Baseline and 12 months into treatment

If medication dosage is reduced, it generally indicates that blood glucose is better controlled. If dosage increases, it generally indicates that blood glucose was not well controlled.

Total Cholesterol at month 66 months into treatment

Blood level of total cholesterol measures cardiovascular risk. Total cholesterol is reduced with weight loss. The change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol at month 66 months into treatment

Blood level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, measures cardiovascular risk. HDL cholesterol is expected to increase with weight loss. The change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides at month 66 months into treatment

Blood Triglyceride levels measure cardiovascular risk. Triglycerides are expected to be reduced with weight loss. This change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides cholesterol at month 1212 months into treatment

The blood level of triglycerides measures cardiovascular risk. Triglycerides are expected to be reduced with weight loss. This change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Total Cholesterol at month 1212 months into treatment

Blood level of total cholesterol measures cardiovascular risk. Total cholesterol is reduced with weight loss. The change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol at month 1212 months into treatment

Blood level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, measures cardiovascular risk. HDL cholesterol is expected to increase with weight loss. The change would be an indication of reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Dietary carbohydrate intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 1212 months into treatment

Dietary carbohydrate intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of carbohydrates are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in carbohydrate intake would result in an increase in blood HbA1c level, and a decrease in carbohydrate intake would result in a decrease in the blood HbA1c level.

Dietary fat intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 66 months into treatment

Dietary fat intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of fat (saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat) are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in fat intake would result in an increase in total and LDL blood cholesterol levels, and a decrease in fat intake would result in a decrease in total and LDL blood cholesterol levels.

Dietary caloric intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 66 months into treatment

Dietary intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), a web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total energy (calories) consumed are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that a decrease in calorie intake would result in body weight reduction which normally correlates to increased blood glucose control. Likewise, an increase in calories generally result in body weight increase which correlates to decreased blood glucose control.

Dietary carbohydrate intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 66 months into treatment

Dietary carbohydrate intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of carbohydrates are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in carbohydrate intake would result in an increase in blood HbA1c level, and a decrease in carbohydrate intake would result in a decrease in the blood HbA1c level.

Dietary fat intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 1212 months into treatment

Dietary fat intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of fat (saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat) are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in fat intake would result in an increase in total and LDL blood cholesterol levels, and a decrease in fat intake would result in a decrease in total and LDL blood cholesterol levels.

Physical activity was assessed by patient self-report at month 66 months into treatment

Physical activity was assessed using the Modifiable Physical activity Questionnaire (MAQ) with the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall interview. Participants were asked to provide information about the frequency, duration and intensity of various physical activities. MAQ responses and 7-day recall data were coded and entered into software program, which was designed to calculate average daily energy expenditure. Participants were instructed to avoid changing physical activity while in the study because change in physical activity could confound assessment of the dietary questions. An increase in physical activity could increase loss of body weight and reduction in blood HbA1c. A decrease in physical activity could increase body weight and increase HbA1c.

Physical activity was assessed by patient self-report at month 1212 months into treatment

Physical activity was assessed using the Modifiable Physical activity Questionnaire (MAQ) with the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall interview. Participants were asked to provide information about the frequency, duration and intensity of various physical activities. MAQ responses and 7-day recall data were coded and entered into software program, which was designed to calculate average daily energy expenditure. Participants were instructed to avoid changing physical activity while in the study because change in physical activity could confound assessment of the dietary questions. An increase in physical activity could increase loss of body weight and reduction in blood HbA1c. A decrease in physical activity could increase body weight and increase HbA1c.

Dietary caloric intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 1212 months into treatment

Dietary intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), a web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total energy (calories) consumed are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that a decrease in calorie intake would result in body weight reduction which normally correlates to increased blood glucose control. Likewise, an increase in calories generally result in body weight increase which correlates to decreased blood glucose control.

Dietary protein intake as assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ) at month 66 months into treatment

Dietary protein intake is assessed using the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), which is web-based food frequency questionnaire. Participants select the serving size and frequency of intake for the foods listed. The items listed and serving size choices are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Calculations of total intake (in grams) of protein are based on the nutrient values from NHANES. It is anticipated that an increase in protein intake (relative to carbohydrate) will result in loss of body fat and reduction in body weight, while a decrease in protein intake(relative to carbohydrate) will result in increased body fat and body weight.

Quality of life as assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life Scale at month 66 months into treatment

Quality of Life is assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) questionnaire. The DQOL questionnaire contains 62 items which participants rank from 1(very satisfied) to 5 (very dissatisfied). The score gives an indication of participants' satisfaction with treatment in terms of level of well-being and disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 310. The score is negatively correlated to Quality of Life with higher scores indicating higher dissatisfaction and therefore, lower perceived Quality of Life. It is expected that reduction in the blood HbA1c level will be associated with an increase in the Diabetes Quality of Life (i.e. a decrease in DQOL score), and an increase in the HbA1c level will correlate to a lower Diabetes Quality of Life (i.e. an increase in DQOL score).

Quality of life as assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life Scale at month 1212 months into treatment

Quality of Life is assessed using the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) questionnaire. The DQOL questionnaire contains 62 items which participants rank from 1(very satisfied) to 5 (very dissatisfied). The score gives an indication of participants' satisfaction with treatment in terms of level of well-being and disability. The total score ranges from 0 to 310. The score is negatively correlated to Quality of Life with higher scores indicating higher dissatisfaction and therefore, lower perceived Quality of Life. It is expected that reduction in the blood HbA1c level will be associated with an increase in the Diabetes Quality of Life (i.e. a decrease in DQOL score), and an increase in the HbA1c level will correlate to a lower Diabetes Quality of Life (i.e. an increase in DQOL score).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, General Clinical Research Center

🇺🇸

Bronx, New York, United States

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