Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health problem that requires effective glycemic management to prevent long-term complications. Dietary intervention is one of the primary strategies for controlling blood glucose levels, with low-glycemic-index diets and ketogenic diets being among the most widely studied approaches. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of low-glycemic-index diets and ketogenic diets on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose metabolism. A systematic review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search across several scientific databases using relevant keywords. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, critically appraised for quality, and analyzed narratively. The findings indicate that both dietary interventions improve glycemic control, as evidenced by reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels. Ketogenic diets tend to produce more rapid short-term improvements in glycemic outcomes, whereas low-glycemic-index diets demonstrate better long-term adherence and sustainability. These results suggest that both dietary approaches can be effective strategies for glycemic management, and the choice of intervention should be tailored to individual clinical conditions, dietary preferences, and the ability to maintain long-term dietary adherence.
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