Abstract |
Hypertension is the second biggest known global risk factor for disease after poor diet; perhaps lifestyle interventions are underutilized? In a previous small pilot study, it was found that a low carbohydrate diet was associated with significant improvements in blood pressure, weight, ' deprescribing' of medications and lipid profiles. We were interested to investigate if these results would be replicated in a larger study based in 'real world' GP practice. 154 patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance were recruited into an observational cohort study in primary care. The effects of a low carbohydrate diet sustained for an average of two years (interquartile range 10-32 months) on cardiovascular risk factors were examined. Results demonstrate significant and substantial reductions in blood pressure (mean reduction of systolic BP 10.9 mmHg (interquartile range 0-22 mmHg) (p < 0.0001), mean reduction in diastolic BP 6.3 mmHg (interquartile range 0-12.8 mmHg) (p < 0.0001) and mean weight reduction of 9.5 Kg (interquartile range 5-13 Kg) (p < 0.0001) together with marked improvement in lipid profiles. This occurred despite a 20% reduction in anti-hypertensive medications. This novel and potentially highly effective dietary modification, done very cheaply alongside routine care, offers hope that should be tested in a large prospective trial.
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Authors | David J Unwin, Simon D Tobin, Scott W Murray, Christine Delon, Adrian J Brady |
Journal | International journal of environmental research and public health
(Int J Environ Res Public Health)
Vol. 16
Issue 15
(07 26 2019)
ISSN: 1660-4601 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 31357547
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Biomarkers
(blood)
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
(blood, complications, diet therapy)
- Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted
- Female
- General Practice
- Humans
- Hypertension
(blood, complications, diet therapy)
- Insulin Resistance
- Lipids
(blood)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Primary Health Care
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
- Weight Loss
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