Among men who smoke, shifting their diet to get more calories from carbohydrates instead of fat or protein is linked to a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes. This benefit does not appear to...
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
When smokers eat more carbs instead of fat, their liver stores less fat, which helps insulin work better to control blood sugar. This happens regardless of whether the carbs are sugary or whole grains, which is why the speed of digestion doesn't explain the benefit.
Most probable mechanism
When people swap out fats or proteins for carbs, their liver stores less fat, which helps the body respond better to insulin and keeps blood sugar under control.
Reduced intake of dietary fat decreases the delivery of fatty acids to the liver, lowering the synthesis and storage of triglycerides within hepatocytes.
Lower hepatic lipid content reduces the activation of stress pathways that interfere with insulin signaling, such as diacylglycerol-mediated protein kinase C epsilon activation.
Improved hepatic insulin sensitivity enhances suppression of glucose production by the liver during fasting and after meals.
Reduced liver fat and improved insulin action lower systemic insulin resistance, decreasing the likelihood of beta-cell exhaustion and hyperglycemia.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
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Carbohydrate substitution for fat or protein and risk of type 2 diabetes in male smokers
Contradicting (0)
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Gold Standard Evidence Needed
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