Low-Carb vs. Mediterranean Diets and Bone Health in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes are known to have higher risks for bone-related complications. Researchers continue to explore how different eating patterns might support bone health in this population. Two commonly recommended approaches—low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets—had not been directly compared in young people with Type 1 diabetes until now.

Researchers enrolled 40 adolescents and young adults (ages 12–21) with Type 1 diabetes in a 24-week randomized controlled trial. Half followed a low-carbohydrate diet, and half followed a Mediterranean diet. The study measured two bone turnover markers: CTX and P1NP. These markers indicate how quickly bone tissue is being broken down and rebuilt in the body.

As expected, the low-carbohydrate group consumed significantly less carbohydrates—a median of 86 grams per day compared to 130 grams in the Mediterranean group. The low-carbohydrate group also had lower intakes of calcium and magnesium, nutrients important for bone health.

After 24 weeks, neither diet produced statistically significant changes in the bone turnover markers CTX or P1NP. The low-carbohydrate group did show a decrease in alkaline phosphatase, a different bone-related enzyme, though the clinical meaning of this single finding remains unclear. Overall, the two diets produced similar outcomes for bone health markers.

This exploratory study suggests that over a 6-month period, both low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets had comparable effects on bone turnover in young people with Type 1 diabetes. The study was small (40 participants) and relatively short, so it provides early evidence rather than definitive answers.

The lower intake of bone-supporting nutrients like calcium and magnesium in the low-carbohydrate group did not translate into worse bone marker changes in this timeframe. However, longer studies with larger groups are needed to understand whether these differences matter for bone health over years or decades. As always, anyone making dietary changes should work with their healthcare team to ensure they're meeting nutritional needs.

Source: Nutrients. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.