Last updated July 22, 2026
Key finding
FLI was reduced by -25.1 (p < 0.0001).
This study explored the impact of a low-carbohydrate, energy-restricted diet on beta-cell function and liver fat in adults with Type 2 diabetes, finding significant reductions in liver fat and insulin resistance.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 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 explored the impact of a low-carbohydrate, energy-restricted diet on beta-cell function and liver fat in adults with Type 2 diabetes, finding significant reductions in liver fat and insulin resistance.
These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions in managing Type 2 diabetes, particularly in reducing liver fat and improving insulin sensitivity. This could lead to better management strategies for patients, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Limited sample size may affect generalizability. Short duration of the study may not capture long-term effects. No significant changes in beta-cell function markers.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Cody D, Hashim I, Haoning HC, et al. Exploring the Effects of a Low-Carbohydrate and Energy-Restricted Diet on Markers of Beta-Cell Function and Liver Fat in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2024;21:29. doi:10.1186/s12986-024-00807-x
Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was reduced by -25.1 (p < 0.0001).
Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) decreased by -4.9 (p < 0.0001).
HOMA Insulin Resistance (IR) was reduced by -46.5% (p = 0.011).
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Low-carbohydrate diet and Beta-cell function, C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio, Change in Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), and 5 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Low-carbohydrate 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.
3
Related topics
8
Evidence pairs
765
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Low-carbohydrate diet → Beta-cell function
Low-carbohydrate diet → Beta-cell function
Low-carbohydrate diet → C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio
Low-carbohydrate diet → C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio
Low-carbohydrate diet → Change in Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI)
Low-carbohydrate diet → Change in Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI)
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fetuin-A Levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fetuin-A Levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) levels
Low-carbohydrate diet → Insulin resistance
Low-carbohydrate diet → Insulin resistance
Low-carbohydrate diet → Levels of circulating microRNA 375 in the blood
Low-carbohydrate diet → Levels of circulating microRNA 375 in the blood
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Beta-cell Function, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio.
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 Beta-cell Function
Measures Beta-cell Function as a key outcome.
All studies measuring C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio
Measures C-peptide to Proinsulin Ratio 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.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education may improve Insulin Resistance.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Insulin resistance
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 3 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education for Beta-cell Function.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Beta-cell function
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 Change in Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI)
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 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 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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