Evidence Intelligence™
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerResearch Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™
Low Carb Diet Linked to No Adverse Renal Effects in Diabetes
Last updated August 21, 2026
Key finding
Both groups achieved similar reductions in weight (mean [95% CI]; -9.3 [-10.6, -8.0] kg)
This study evaluated the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on renal function in obese adults with Type 2 diabetes and found no adverse effects.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Long-Term (1–5 y)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on renal function in obese adults with Type 2 diabetes and found no adverse effects.
Clinical relevance
This research is significant as it suggests that obese adults with Type 2 diabetes can safely adopt a low carbohydrate diet without fearing negative impacts on their kidney health. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity, understanding dietary impacts on renal function is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Keep in mind
The study had a relatively small sample size. Results may not be generalizable to all populations. Long-term effects of the diets were not assessed.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Jeannie T, Campbell HT, Natalie DL, et al. Consumption of a Low Carbohydrate Diet Does Not Adversely Affect Renal Function in Obese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Medicine. 2015;94(47):e2181. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002181
Main Effects
Both diets resulted in a weight reduction of -9.3 kg.
Blood pressure decreased by -6 mmHg in both groups.
Serum creatinine levels showed no significant change (P = 0.25).
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes were also not significant (P = 0.25).
Evidence network
How this study fits
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to Low-carbohydrate diet and Albuminuria, Body weight, Estimated glomerular filtration rate, and 2 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Low-carbohydrate diet
Primary outcomes
- Albuminuria
- Body weight
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
5
Evidence pairs
5
Relationships
2
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence
Editorial context
Why this study matters
See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.
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.
Moderate contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 65
2
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
749
Related studies
High relevance in at least one topic
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 5 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 2 direct semantic evidence topics
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Body Weight
Related evidence
Evidence relationship
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Blood Pressure
Save evidence
Evidence relationship
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Kidney Function
Save evidence
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- 83
- Strong
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 100
- consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 7 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerEstimated glomerular filtration rate
Low-carbohydrate diet → Estimated glomerular filtration rate
Low-carbohydrate diet → Estimated glomerular filtration rate
Evidence Intelligence™
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerEvidence Intelligence™
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence TrackerSystolic blood pressure
Low-carbohydrate diet → Systolic blood pressure
Low-carbohydrate diet → Systolic blood pressure
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 3 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 67
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 67
- generally_consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
Add to Evidence TrackerEvidence Library
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Evidence Suggest
- Weight decreased by -9.3 kg for both diet groups.
- Blood pressure reduced by -6 mmHg in both groups.
- No significant change in serum creatinine (P = 0.25).
Who this applies to
- Obese adults aged 18-65 with Type 2 diabetes.
- Individuals seeking dietary interventions for weight management.
Keep in Mind
- The study focused on short-term outcomes.
- Participants were specifically selected, limiting generalizability.
- Further research is needed to explore long-term renal effects.
Between the Lines
- The study had a relatively small sample size.
- Results may not be generalizable to all populations.
- Long-term effects of the diets were not assessed.
Evidence Library
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Body Weight, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Blood Pressure.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education → Body Weight
Diet and Nutrition
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- 83
- Strong
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 100
- consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 7 studies
View evidenceDiet and Nutrition
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education → Blood Pressure
Diet and Nutrition
Evidence Intelligence™
- EvidenceScore™
- Strong
- Score 79 · Based on 3 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 67
- Slightly Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 67
- generally_consistent
Supporting studies: Based on 3 studies
View evidenceIncluded in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Body Weight Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Body Weight
7 studies
outcome_hubMeasures Body Weight as a key outcome.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education Evidence Hub
All studies on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education
7 studies
intervention_hubContributes to Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education evidence base.
Blood Pressure Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Blood Pressure
3 studies
outcome_hubMeasures Blood Pressure as a key outcome.
Explore more in Evidence Explorer
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
All studies on Low-carbohydrate diet and Body weight
Intervention: Low-carbohydrate dietOutcome: Body weight
7 results
All studies on Low-carbohydrate diet and Systolic blood pressure
Intervention: Low-carbohydrate dietOutcome: Systolic blood pressure
3 results
All studies on Low-carbohydrate diet
Intervention: Low-carbohydrate diet
7 results
All studies measuring Body weight
Outcome: Body weight
7 results
All studies measuring Systolic blood pressure
Outcome: Systolic blood pressure
3 results
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education affect body weight?
Strong Evidence
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education appears to improve Body Weight.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Body weight
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 83.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 8 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education improve blood pressure?
Strong Evidence
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education may improve Blood Pressure.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Systolic blood pressure
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 4 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
- Population details are unavailable.
Does Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education improve kidney function?
Limited Evidence
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education for Kidney Function.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Albuminuria
EvidenceScore™ Unknown | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
- 2
Estimated glomerular filtration rate
EvidenceScore™ Unknown | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
- 3
Serum creatinine
EvidenceScore™ Unknown | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
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