Last updated September 2, 2026
Key finding
Plasma levels of FGF21 were reduced by 54% in the isocaloric study (P < .05)
This study investigated the effects of a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet on FGF21 and GDF15 levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It found significant reductions in FGF21 levels with the diet.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study investigated the effects of a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet on FGF21 and GDF15 levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It found significant reductions in FGF21 levels with the diet.
Understanding the impact of dietary interventions on metabolic markers like FGF21 and GDF15 is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. This study suggests that a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet may offer a beneficial approach for improving metabolic health in diabetic patients.
The study's sample size and population characteristics may limit generalizability. The effects of dietary adherence were not assessed, which could influence outcomes. The study did not explore long-term effects of the dietary interventions.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Michael MR, Mads NT, Mads JS, et al. The effect of carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet on FGF21 and GDF15 in type 2 diabetes. Journal of the Endocrine Society. 2024;8(4):bvae008. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvae008
FGF21 levels decreased by 54% in the isocaloric study (P < .05) for the carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet.
FGF21 levels decreased by 18% in the hypocaloric study (P < .05) for the carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet.
GDF15 levels increased by 18% (P < .05) in those on the carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet who were also treated with metformin.
No significant changes in FGF21 or GDF15 levels were observed with the conventional diabetes diet.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Conventional diabetes diet, Low-carbohydrate diet and Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels, Growth differentiation factor 15.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Conventional diabetes diet
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
1
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4
Evidence pairs
94
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Intervention
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Conventional diabetes diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Conventional diabetes diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Conventional diabetes diet → Growth differentiation factor 15
Conventional diabetes diet → Growth differentiation factor 15
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Growth differentiation factor 15
Low-carbohydrate diet → Growth differentiation factor 15
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels, Conventional diabetes diet and Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Measures Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels as a key outcome.
All studies on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education
Contributes to Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education evidence base.
All studies on Conventional diabetes diet
Contributes to Conventional diabetes diet evidence base.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
1 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education may improve inflammatory markers.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Growth differentiation factor 15
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | moderate negative | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 4 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Low-carbohydrate diet appears to improve circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Conventional diabetes diet for circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Conventional diabetes diet for growth differentiation factor 15.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Growth differentiation factor 15
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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