Cutting starches and sugars shifts the body toward burning fat. Short-to-medium-term gains are strong for weight, blood sugar, blood fats, "good" cholesterol, and blood pressure, especially for those with insulin resistance. For lean, healthy adults the edge is small and fades; some see a large jump in "bad" cholesterol. What replaces the carbohydrate matters most; plant-forward versions look safer. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| LDL cholesterol | < 100 mg/dL (lower if high risk) | Detects the atherogenic rise that some show on low-carb |
| Apolipoprotein B (apoB) | < 80 mg/dL (lower if high risk) | Counts atherogenic particles; better risk marker than LDL alone |
| Triglycerides | < 80 mg/dL | Tracks a key benefit; usually falls on low-carb |
| HDL cholesterol | > 50 mg/dL (women), > 40 mg/dL (men) | Tracks the expected improvement in "good" cholesterol |
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Primary success marker for glycemic control |
| Fasting insulin | 2–6 µIU/mL | Reflects insulin resistance, the diet's main target |
| Fasting glucose | 75–90 mg/dL | Tracks blood-sugar normalization |
| Potassium | 4.0–4.5 mmol/L | Guards against electrolyte depletion and cramps |
| Magnesium | Upper half of reference range | Prevents cramps, supports sleep and glucose control |
| Uric acid | < 5.5 mg/dL | Flags gout and kidney-stone risk that can rise early |
| eGFR / creatinine | eGFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m² | Monitors kidney function on higher-protein intake |
| hs-CRP | < 1.0 mg/L | Tracks systemic inflammation, which often falls |
| Free T3 | Mid-to-upper reference range | Detects thyroid downshift with very strict restriction |
Cadence: 6–12 weeks after starting, then every 3–6 months in the first year, and every 6–12 months once stable; closer follow-up for anyone on glucose- or blood-pressure-lowering medication or with a large lipid response.