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A healthy diet, staying active and being guided by a professional are basic ways to control diabetes. The ketogenic diet or keto diet has gained popularity as a way to lose weight and some research has analyzed it as an eating plan that could benefit people with diabetes.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan. This diet could help meet two common diabetes control goals: lower blood glucose levels and reduce weight.
When it comes to controlling diabetes, a balanced and carbohydrate-controlled diet is required. Carbohydrates play an important role because they affect blood sugar level . The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that balance is the key.
How the keto diet works
There are many versions of ketogenic diets, But all of them forbid foods rich in carbohydrates. Normally, the body feeds on sugar or glucose obtained from carbohydrates .
After a few days on the ketogenic diet, your body runs out of glucose. The body begins to use body fat as its main fuel ; creates fatty acid substances called ketones that can be used in the absence of glucose. This is called nutritional ketosis.
The Harvard Nutrition Source notes that the ketogenic diet generally reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day, less than the amount found in a medium bagel, and can be as low as 22 grams per day.
The ketogenic diet helps reduce the body’s demand for insulin , which would be beneficial for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, explains Diabetes.co.uk.
Some studies have found ketogenic diets may be helpful in lowering A1c levels in people with diabetes 1 and diabetes 2. However, more research is still required to determine if it works as a long-term way of managing diabetes.
How safe is the keto diet for people s with diabetes
The ADA does not is suggesting or endorsing the ketogenic diet over other diets to all people with diabetes. He points out that everyone’s body responds differently to different types of foods and diets, so there is no single “magic” diet for diabetes.
When it comes to choosing carbohydrate foods, the ADA states that the goal is to choose nutrient-dense carbohydrates, which means they are high in fiber , vitamins and minerals, and low in added sugars, sodium and unhealthy fats.
Negative effects
Those who follow the ketogenic diet in conjunction with an insulin regimen may have an increased risk of blood sugar dropping too low and developing hypoglycemia.
Most ketogenic plans allow foods high in saturated fat which could increase cholesterol levels and thus the risk of heart disease.
Harvard notes that long term, a increased calculation risk has been suggested kidney disease and osteoporosis and increased blood levels of uric acid.
Nutrient deficiencies may occur since many foods are prohibited, including some fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The help of a registered dietitian is therefore advisable.
During the period of adaptation to the keto diet, possible symptoms of extreme restriction of Carbohydrates include hunger, fatigue, low mood, irritability, constipation, headaches, and mental confusion.
Overall, there is a lack of long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of ketogenic diets.
For some people with diabetes, this diet can help improve symptoms and decrease the need for medication. But for others, it might not be a proper diet and make diabetes worse. It is important to consult with your doctor if you are considering following the ketogenic diet and have supervision.
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