Last updated June 12, 2026
Key finding
The low-carbohydrate diet induced lower insulin excursions compared with the low-fat diet (p<0.0005).
This study evaluated the postprandial effects of three diets in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant differences in insulin and glucose responses.
Quick read
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study evaluated the postprandial effects of three diets in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant differences in insulin and glucose responses.
Understanding the impact of different dietary approaches on postprandial responses is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that a low-carbohydrate diet may provide better glycemic control, potentially leading to improved long-term health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
Unclear effectiveness of the Mediterranean-style diet compared to the low-fat diet. Limited generalizability due to specific population studied. Potential unmeasured confounders affecting outcomes.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Hanna F, Christine J, Bekim B, et al. Postprandial Effects of Low-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate, and Mediterranean Diets in Type 2 Diabetes. PLoS ONE. 2013. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0079324
The low-carbohydrate diet induced lower insulin excursions compared to the low-fat diet (-0.87 pmol/l, p<0.0005).
The low-carbohydrate diet induced lower glucose excursions compared to the low-fat diet (-0.87 mmol/l, p<0.0005).
The insulin-response following the Mediterranean-style diet was more pronounced than during the low-fat diet lunch (4.35 pmol/l, p=0.001).
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Low-carbohydrate diet, Low-fat diet, Mediterranean diet and Postprandial blood glucose, Postprandial insulin AUC.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Low-carbohydrate diet
Primary outcomes
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.
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Evidence pairs
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
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Evidence relationship
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Low-carbohydrate diet → Postprandial blood glucose
Low-carbohydrate diet → Postprandial blood glucose
Low-carbohydrate diet → Postprandial insulin AUC
Low-carbohydrate diet → Postprandial insulin AUC
Low-fat diet → Postprandial blood glucose
Low-fat diet → Postprandial blood glucose
Low-fat diet → Postprandial insulin AUC
Low-fat diet → Postprandial insulin AUC
Mediterranean diet → Postprandial blood glucose
Mediterranean diet → Postprandial blood glucose
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Postprandial and OGTT Glucose, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education and Insulin Resistance.
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 on Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education
Contributes to Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education evidence base.
All studies measuring Postprandial and OGTT Glucose
Measures Postprandial and OGTT Glucose as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Insulin Resistance
Measures Insulin Resistance as a key outcome.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
2 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
Postprandial insulin AUC
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 12 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Low-Carbohydrate Diet Education may improve postprandial and ogtt glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Postprandial blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 6 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Low-fat Diets may improve insulin resistance.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Postprandial insulin AUC
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.
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Low-fat Diets for postprandial and ogtt glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Postprandial blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
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