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Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E Responds:
Merville C. Marshall Jr., MD, FACP, FACE, founder and president of the Endocrine Institute in White Plains, New York, responds: Not everyone agrees on the benefits and risks of low-carb diets to the average person. In fact, a recent review of 107 different studies found there was not enough evidence to vote either for or against the use of low-carb diets for the general public. For people with diabetes, however, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not recommend low-carb diets, because they are usually high in fat. The concern is that the increase in fat may raise cholesterol levels and put dieters at increased risk of other serious health issues.
The ADA recommends a diet that contains 45% to 65% of carbohydrates overall. For most people that's about 300 to 375 grams (g) of carbohydrate a day--more than double or triple the carbs recommended by many "low-carb" diets at 60 to 130 g. The bottom line is that people with diabetes should eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products as part of a healthy diet.
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Merville C. Marshall, Jr.
M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E
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