Emphasize patient adherence, dietary patterns in recommending diets for patients with diabetes

CHICAGO — While diets that emphasize increasing or decreasing a single nutrient class, such as high-carbohydrate or low-fat diets, are trending in the news, a researcher at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions said the best diet for patients with diabetes is one that fosters adherence and incorporates the patient’s values and treatment goals.

“I think there’s no clear advantage of a low-carb over high-carb [diet]. Neither one has a monopoly on the evidence,” John L. Sievenpiper, MD, PhD, FRCPC, associate professor in the department of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto and staff physician in the division of endocrinology and metabolism at St. Michael’s Hospital, said during a presentation.. “But that being said, I don’t think low carb is off the table. I think it’s a viable option. It’s just one more dietary pattern tool we put in our toolbox because there are patients where that will fit with their values and preferences and may produce some results.”