In Sweden, a small study was done that compared the results of diabetics who ate paleo or the traditional diabetic diet during a 12 week time frame. While the study was was fairly small, the results are quite promising. The study used only men, and all were either prediabetic or had type 2 diabetes but no participant was on any form of medication.

The paleo dieters ate more fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while the other group at more cereal grains, oil, margarine and dairy products.

The results showed that carbohydrate consumption was 48% lower for those on the paleo diet compared to the normal diabetic diet. The Glycemic load for the paleo eaters was also 47% lower, mostly due to the lack of cereal grains.

Glucose control improved by 26% for the paleo eaters versus the 7% for the normal diabetic diet group. The high consumption of the paleo dieters didn’t seem to effect glucose tolerance. Neither group had changes in either Hemoglobin A1c’s or insulin sensitivity.

While the study was small, and only applied to men, it is a safe bet that the paleo diet will work for women as well. The results are promising, and there should be more studies done with diabetics eating paleo.