Last updated July 12, 2026
Key finding
Total IGF-1 levels were lower following the RCD compared to the SCD at baseline (145.3 ng/mL vs. 184.2 ng/mL, median difference -23.4 ng/mL, p < 0.0005).
This study examined the effects of short-term carbohydrate restriction on insulin requirements and the IGF axis in adults with type 1 diabetes, finding significant differences in IGF-1 levels between diets.
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
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study examined the effects of short-term carbohydrate restriction on insulin requirements and the IGF axis in adults with type 1 diabetes, finding significant differences in IGF-1 levels between diets.
Understanding how dietary changes influence insulin requirements and hormone levels is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes. This study highlights the potential for dietary interventions to optimize diabetes management, which could lead to improved health outcomes and reduced complications for patients.
The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled. The short duration of the dietary interventions may not reflect long-term effects.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
M. NA, T. JS, Sivaprakasam C, et al. Effects of Short-Term Carbohydrate Restriction on Insulin Requirements and IGF Axis in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Cardiovascular diabetology. Endocrinology reports. 2026;12:13. doi:10.1186/s40842-026-00276-6
Total IGF-1 levels were lower following the RCD compared to the SCD, with a median difference of -23.4 ng/mL (p < 0.0005).
IGFBP-1 increased compared to SCD at baseline.
IGFBP-2 increased compared to SCD at baseline.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Low-carbohydrate diet and Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Low-carbohydrate diet
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
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
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
41
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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.
Low-carbohydrate diet → Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
Low-carbohydrate diet → Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
Low-carbohydrate diet → IGFBP-3 levels after overnight fasting
Low-carbohydrate diet → IGFBP-3 levels after overnight fasting
Low-carbohydrate diet → Total IGF-1 levels measured after overnight fasting
Low-carbohydrate diet → Total IGF-1 levels measured after overnight fasting
Evidence Library
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Cardiovascular Outcomes, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and IGFBP-1.
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 Cardiovascular Outcomes
Measures Cardiovascular Outcomes as a key outcome.
All studies measuring IGFBP-1
Measures IGFBP-1 as a key outcome.
All studies on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education
Contributes to Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education evidence base.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education for Cardiovascular Outcomes.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Low-carbohydrate diet appears to improve IGFBP-3 levels after overnight fasting.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
IGFBP-3 levels after overnight fasting
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Low-carbohydrate diet appears to improve Total IGF-1 levels measured after overnight fasting.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Total IGF-1 levels measured after overnight fasting
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | 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 Low-carbohydrate diet for IGFBP-1.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
IGFBP-1
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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