Comparing Two Low-Carbohydrate Diets With a Standard Diet in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is often accompanied by high blood triglycerides and excess weight, and diet plays a central role in managing these conditions together. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two moderate low-carbohydrate diets - one higher in protein and one higher in fat - against a standard diet, on blood sugar control, blood lipids (especially triglycerides), body weight, and blood pressure in adults with type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and overweight or obesity.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least 6 months * Fasting serum triglycerides between 200-399 mg/dL * Body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m\^2 * Age between 30 and 70 years * If taking medication for diabetes, dyslipidemia, or hypertension, dose stable for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment * Able to follow the prescribed diet * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Fasting triglycerides of 400 mg/dL or higher, or lower than 200 mg/dL * HbA1c greater than 10.5% * eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m\^2 * Type 1 diabetes or rare metabolic disorders * Severe renal, cardiac, or hepatic disease, or active pancreatitis * Established cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery, or heart failure) * Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study * Psychiatric disorder or social circumstances that would prevent adherence to the dietary protocol * Change in dose or type of diabetes, lipid-lowering, or blood pressure medication within 8 weeks before enrollment or during the study * Use of weight-loss medications, protein supplements, or probiotics * Body weight change greater than 3% within the past 6 months * Withdrawal of consent to continue participation