Type 2 diabetes in an aviator, protein diet vs. traditional diet: case report.

An experienced helicopter pilot with hypertension, hyper-triglyceridemia, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes is treated with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. In 3 months, he loses 35 lbs, is normotensive without medication, cholesterol and triglycerides show significant reduction, fasting blood glucose and 2-h post glucose load are normal. At follow-up 1 yr later he has maintained hemoglobin A1C in the low 5 range. The protein diet is discussed and compared with the traditional dietary approach for type 2 diabetes.