The Effectiveness of Low Carbohydrate Diet in Reducing Polypharmacy for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

For the LCD group, the daily carbohydrate intake was limited to less than 90g, without any restriction to total energy. The concept of a LCD was introduced and an educational 15 g equivalent carbohydrate food list was provided. The easy conversion method is that 15 g equivalent carbohydrate =1/4 bowel of rice= 1/2 bowel of noodle = 1 slice of toast = 3 soup-spoon of oats = one bowl of fruit =1/2 regular size banana= one glass of milk = 3 dumplings. Less than two equivalent 15g-carbohydrate intakes per meal were advised.

For the calori restricted diet group, the target total calorie intake was calculated by multiplying the ideal body weight by 25 kcal/kg for those with a BMI in the range 18.5 to 24, 20 kcal/kg for obese subjects with a BMI \> 24 and 30 kcal/day for underweight subjects with a BMI \<18.5. The macronutrient percentage was 50-60% for carbohydrate, 1.0-1.2 g/kg for protein and fat ≦30%.