Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in teenagers is becoming a growing health concern. In
the U.S., the number of children and teens diagnosed with T2D nearly doubled between 2002
and 2018. Experts predict that in the next 40 years, the number of young people with T2D
could quadruple.
T2D in youth is different from T2D in adults. Teens with T2D have more insulin resistance
and their bodies struggle to make enough insulin. Unfortunately, common diabetes
medications do not stop the disease from getting worse. Better treatment options for
young people with T2D are needed.
T2D happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas struggles to keep
up. Diet is a key part of managing T2D, but there are no clear guidelines for the best
diet for teens with diabetes.
In adults, low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have been shown to:
Lower blood sugar and improve diabetes control
Improve insulin function and protect the pancreas
Reduce the need for diabetes medications
Help with weight loss, especially in areas of harmful fat like the liver and belly
While LCDs have been well-studied in adults, there is very little research on how they
affect adolescents with T2D. A few small studies suggest that reducing carbs may help
teens with obesity and fatty liver disease, but we need more evidence to know for sure.
Study Objective This study will test whether a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) can help
improve blood sugar control and insulin function in adolescents with T2D. The
investigators will compare it to the standard diet for diabetes care.
How the Study Works
The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT), meaning that
participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups:
The study will last 24 weeks (6 months). Participants will keep food records and meet
with a dietitian to track their progress.
What The Study Will Measure
The investigators will test whether the low-carb diet helps improve:
Blood sugar control (measured by HbA1c)
Insulin function and resistance (measured by an oral glucose tolerance test)
Weight and fat loss, especially in harmful fat stores
Triglycerides and cholesterol levels
Need for diabetes medications
What The Study Expect to Find
The investigators believe that teens who follow a low-carb diet will have:
Better blood sugar control
Less insulin resistance
More weight loss, especially from harmful fat
Lower triglycerides and better cholesterol levels
Less need for diabetes medications
This study will help us understand whether reducing carbs is a safe and effective way to
improve diabetes in teens.
