Using a very low-carbohydrate diet to lower diabetes risk
Official title: Testing a very low-carbohydrate diet version of the Diabetes Prevention Program to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11085174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a very low-carb diet can help people at risk for type 2 diabetes do better in a program designed to prevent the disease, and it’s for adults who want to improve their blood sugar levels and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $328,445 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK125792-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for type 2 diabetes, particularly those with prediabetes or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for type 2 diabetes or those with established diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a very low-carbohydrate diet can improve the effectiveness of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial where they will follow this dietary approach, which is believed to better manage blood sugar levels compared to traditional low-fat diets. The study aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of this dietary strategy among adults at risk for diabetes, focusing on weight loss and metabolic health improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective dietary intervention for preventing type 2 diabetes in at-risk adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary interventions can significantly impact diabetes prevention, but this specific approach using a very low-carbohydrate diet is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saslow, Laura — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Saslow, Laura
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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.