How a low-carbohydrate diet affects diabetes control in children with newly diagnosed diabetes.
Official title: Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate on Diabetes Control and Beta Cell Function in Children with Newly Diagnosed Diabetes.”
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11085073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet can help kids who have just been diagnosed with type one diabetes by improving their blood sugar control and reducing their need for insulin, compared to a regular diet over nine months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $791,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135884-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have recently been diagnosed with type one diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newly diagnosed with type one diabetes or those who do not meet the age criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet on children recently diagnosed with type one diabetes mellitus (T1D). The study aims to determine if this dietary approach can improve blood sugar control, prolong the initial remission phase known as the 'honeymoon period,' and reduce the need for insulin. By comparing the ketogenic diet to a standard diet over a 9-month period, researchers will assess changes in glycemic control and beta cell function. Patients will be monitored for improvements in their diabetes management and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diabetes management strategies for children, potentially reducing complications and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that ketogenic diets may have beneficial effects in managing type one diabetes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lennerz, Belinda S — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lennerz, Belinda S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.