Effects of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on the Need for Antihyperglycemic Drug Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Low-carbohydrate and low-fat calorie-restricted diets are recommended for weight loss in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes. Objective: To compare the effects of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean-style or a low-fat diet on the need for antihyper-glycemic drug therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Design: Single-center, randomized trial. Randomization was com-puter-generated and unstratified. Allocation was concealed in sealed study folders held in a central, secure location until partici-pants gave informed consent. Participants and investigators were aware of treatment assignment, and assessors of the primary out-come were blinded. Setting: Teaching hospital in Naples, Italy. Patients: 215 overweight people with newly diagnosed type