A prospective, but possibly underpowered, cohort study testing a priori for sex interactions states that women tend to consume more sugar,
although high glycemic index diets seem to increase abdominal fat, particularly in sedentary women in contrast to sedentary men (123, 124).
Regarding carbohydrate source, a
diet with a low versus
high glycemic index can be used to reduce HbA1c moderately (by ∼ 0.5 %).13 Case series and pilot studies reveal more substantial improvements in HbA1c and other benefits (less hypoglycemia and reduced
glycemic variability) with a very low — carbohydrate
diet (VLCD).14 — 21
Although varying to some degree among studies, a VLCD is typically defined as ≤ 20 to 50 g per day of carbohydrates or ≤ 5 % to 10 % carbohydrates as a proportion of calories.22 — 24 In T1DM, small sample sizes and methodological issues limit the significance of VLCD benefits, and little is known about prevalence, practice, and sustainability.