The leading charity Diabetes UK has published a statement on low carbohydrate diets for people suffering from type 2 diabetes, as these remain a popular way to attempt weight loss and because the organisation had not previously issued recommendations on this important subject.
People who have type 2 diabetes can be recommended to lose weight but find it hard to manage this on a traditional high carbohydrate, low fat diet, and dietary guidance in the past has primarily looked at the kind of carbohydrates consumed, as well as levels of starch in the diet .
The new statement for those with type 2 diabetes who would like to lose weight focuses on lowering overall energy intake while making sure that all the essential nutrients are still taken in. Although evidence suggests that a low carb diets can reduce weight and bring improvements in blood glucose management, the charity has also recommended that a range of approaches to a low carb diet should be considered, to find the most suitable one for each person, and that such a diet may not be the best choice for all type 2 diabetics.
Diabetes UK also said that people looking to reduce their weight should talk to a dietician so that they know any possible side effects from a particular diet, and that levels of blood sugar are properly monitored so that medications can be altered if necessary.

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