A low-carb, high-fat diet can aid you lose weight, but research says it increases your risk of diabetes

Cutting carbs and increasing fat is a popular weight loss strategy for many people. But scientists now say that in the long term, it may enhance the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Recent test A study published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews that involved about 40,000 people in Melbourne, Australia, found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet was associated with a 20 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It is known that increased carbohydrate intake increases the risk of diabetes. Previous studies have focused on investigating how a low-carb diet can be used to treat or remit type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that a low-carb diet can be effective for rapid weight loss.

However, the long-term effects of low-carb diets on the risk of diabetes were not known. Recent findings suggest that although low-carb diets may aid treat diabetes, they may not be effective in preventing the disease.

“Research to date has focused solely on examining low-carbohydrate diets for the control and/or remission of type 2 diabetes. Instead, this study reveals that a low-carbohydrate diet may enhance the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes through obesity, potentially through increased consumption of fat and low-fibre foods. Our study also highlights the need to look at the quality of carbohydrates, proteins and fats,” said Professor de Courten, a researcher on the study at press release.

The study was conducted on participants aged 40–69 years who took part in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS) between 1990 and 1994. The researchers analyzed the percentage of carbohydrates in their diet, using the Low Carbohydrate Score (LCD), and estimated their risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. A higher score indicated a lower percentage of carbohydrates contributing to energy intake. The participants’ health was analyzed over two periods: 1995–1998 and 2003–2007.

Participants whose diet consisted of 38% carbohydrates had a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those whose diet consisted of 55% carbohydrates. The increased risk has been attributed to a higher incidence of obesity resulting from a high-fat, low-fiber diet.

Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that appropriate consideration should be given to the dietary approach for people who want to lose weight and avoid diabetes.