Studies on Evidence-Based Lifestyle Care

The “Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes: Normalisation of Beta Cell Function in Association with Decreased Pancreas and Liver Triacylglycerol” study was done to test the hypothesis that beta cell failure and insulin resistance can be reversed by dietary changes.

The outcome of the study showed that dietary changes, specifically dietary energy restriction alone, led to normal beta cell function and hepatic insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. It showed that the abnormalities underlying type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

The “Effect of Low-Fat versus Low-Carbohydrate Diet on 12-month Weight Loss in Overweight Adults and the Association with Genotype Pattern or Insulin Secretion” study involved two groups of participants: one eating a healthy low fat (50% carb, 30% fat, 20% protein) and the second eating a healthy low carb (30% carb, 45% fat, 25% protein) diet over 12 months.

The results of the study showed there was there is no significant difference in weight change between a healthy low-fat or healthy low-carbohydrate diet. Both groups improved in BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, insulin, and glucose levels.

The low-fat diet favored lower LDL (bad cholesterol) while the low-carb diet favored higher HDL (good cholesterol) and lower triglycerides.

The “Effects of Dietary Portfolio of Cholesterol-Lowering Foods vs. Lovastatin on Serum Lipids and C-Reactive Protein” study was a randomized control trial with three groups: group 1: vegetarian diet very low in saturated fat; group 2: same as group 1, plus 20mg daily Lovastatin; group 3 (Portfolio foods): vegetarian diet high in plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers, almonds, eggs and butter to balance saturated fat in groups 1 and 2.

The study revealed that LDL was reduced by similar amounts in the Lovastatin group (31%) and the Portfolio group (28%). There was no difference from the control group (group 1).