A recent study has made a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the most effective dietary patterns for managing hypertension, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight or obese adults.
This study, which randomized 94 adults with these conditions, compared the impacts of a very low-carbohydrate (VLC) or ketogenic diet against the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, both with and without additional support activities.
The results were clear and compelling. The VLC diet showed notably better outcomes in several key health metrics compared to the DASH diet.
Specifically, it led to a more substantial decrease in systolic blood pressure (a reduction of 9.8 mmHg compared to 5.2 mmHg in the DASH group), better glycemic control (with a 0.4% decrease in HbA1c levels versus a 0.1% decrease), and more significant weight loss (an average loss of 19.14 pounds compared to 10.33 pounds).
Interestingly, the addition of extra support activities did not significantly influence these results.
This study is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in the United States.
Nearly half of the adult population in the U.S. has hypertension, and about the same proportion suffer from prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, around 42% of U.S. adults are obese.
These conditions are major risk factors for severe health issues like stroke, kidney failure, heart attacks, and premature death.
While diet and lifestyle interventions are the primary treatments, there has been considerable debate about which dietary approach is most effective.
The findings of this study add a new dimension to this debate. For adults who are overweight or obese and suffering from hypertension, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes, the VLC diet seems to offer more significant benefits in terms of blood pressure control, blood sugar levels, and weight management over a four-month period compared to the DASH diet.
These results could have substantial implications for public health guidelines and personal health choices.
They suggest that a VLC or ketogenic diet might be a more effective strategy for individuals struggling with these conditions and looking to improve their health through dietary changes.
However, as with any dietary change, it’s essential for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that the chosen diet is safe and suitable for their specific health needs.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
The research findings can be found in The Annals of Family Medicine.
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