Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the world, yet there is a dearth of studies investing the effect non-pharmaceutical interventions have on the disease. The aim of this integrative review is to explore and analyse the current research surrounding the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A comprehensive search of online databases was conducted to identify both quantitative and qualitative studies investigating the topic. Fourteen studies with a total of 1086 participants were included in the final review. The results suggested a low carbohydrate diet has a positive effect on reducing HbA1c, body weight, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, as well as increasing high-density lipoprotein. There were no significant effects of a low carbohydrate diet improving glycaemic variability or reducing pharmaceutical therapies. The data suggested that a low carbohydrate diet has an overall positive effect on the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and although this is a small review, there appears to be enough evidence for further research to be conducted on the same topic.