Exploring very low carbohydrate diets for managing Type 1 diabetes
Official title: Glucagon Response in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Following a Very Low Carbohydrate
Run by Boston Children's Hospital · NCT04200391 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a very low carbohydrate diet can help adults with Type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels better and reduce the need for insulin.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 3, 2020 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 18, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04200391 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 40 with Type 1 diabetes for at least one year, stable glycemic control, and who use continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent severe hypoglycemia, dietary restrictions incompatible with the study diet, or those following a weight-loss diet may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a very low carbohydrate diet on glucagon response in individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). It aims to address the challenges of glycemic control by potentially reducing post-meal blood glucose fluctuations and insulin requirements. Participants will be adults aged 18 to 40 with stable glycemic control who use continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. The study will assess the safety and efficacy of this dietary approach in managing T1D complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved glycemic control and reduced risk of complications for patients with Type 1 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with very low carbohydrate diets in managing Type 1 diabetes, but this specific approach remains somewhat controversial.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females with T1D for at least 1 year * Age 18 to 40 years * Tanner stage ≥ IV * BMI 18.5-35 kg/m2 * Stable glycemic control (HbA1c 6.5-9%) * Use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) * Use of an insulin pump * Attendance of at least 1 diabetes care visit over the past 12 months (including virtual) Exclusion Criteria: * Ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia with seizure or coma in the past 6 months * Dietary restrictions or intolerances that are incompatible with the planned food deliveries, e.g. celiac disease, gastroparesis, certain food allergies * Following a weight-loss or otherwise restrictive diet * Vigorous exercise \>2 hours on \>3 days a week * History of an eating disorder or at risk for eating disorder, assessed by the Eating Disorders Diagnostic Scale (EDDS) * Major medical illness or use of medications other than insulin and metformin that could interfere with metabolic or glycemic variables * Significant psychiatric illness * Smoking, use of recreational drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Anemia * For participants who undergo MRI: 1. Standard MRI exclusion criteria 2. Irregular menses 3. Use of psychotropic medication other than SSRIs or other mild antidepressant or anxiety medications (unless these medications are safe to be held for several days to allow for the acquisition of MRI data).
Where it's running
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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Belinda S Lennerz — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Belinda S Lennerz, MD, PhD
- Email: belinda.lennerz@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 8572183896
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Continuous Glucose Monitor Accuracy and Safety in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
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-
Thrive With Type 1 Diabetes: A Behavioral Program to Improve Glucose and Sleep
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-
Cardiometabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners in Type 1 diabetes
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-
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This trial will test if a new wearable device can continuously and accurately measure glucose and ketone levels in adults with type 1 diabetes.
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Tirzepatide for obesity in people with type 1 diabetes
This trial will test whether tirzepatide helps adults with type 1 diabetes and obesity lose weight and is safe for them.
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New real-time continuous glucose monitor accuracy and safety in adults with type 1 diabetes
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.