The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is very popular among health enthusiasts. Foods that are heavy in fat and low in carbs make up the diet. Because the ketogenic diet severely limits carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar, keto diet for diabetics may be a useful strategy for controlling blood sugar levels. Additionally, it might help reverse prediabetes. Before attempting the full ketogenic diet, one should think about some of the risks involved.
The advantages and disadvantages of following the ketogenic diet for people with diabetes are covered in this article, along with additional strategies for lowering blood sugar levels by limiting carbohydrates.
What exactly is the keto diet?
The keto diet is extremely low in carbohydrates, accounting for 10% or fewer of daily calories. 50 grams or less of carbohydrates per day is equivalent to 2,000 calories. About 55–60% is made up of fat, and 30–35% is made up of protein.
The primary component of the keto diet, ketosis, is supported by the low carbohydrate level. When the body’s stored glucose supply is depleted, low-carb diets cause the body to convert stored fat into ketones, which are its backup energy source.
Insulin is a hormone that normally transports blood glucose into cells so that it can be used as fuel. However, due to its low carbohydrate content, the keto diet for diabetics or ketogenic diet causes a condition known as ketosis, in which the body does not have enough glucose for fuel or insulin to transport glucose into cells.
During ketosis, your liver breaks down fat into fatty acids, which it then converts into ketone bodies through a process known as ketogenesis. Your cells use these ketones for energy in the same manner that they use glucose.
Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet
Burning fat for energy produces ketones, which have been demonstrated to have strong effects on weight loss, blood glucose regulation, and the need for diabetes treatment.
Additionally, the diet has demonstrated benefits for:
- Lowering elevated blood pressure
- Lowering levels of triglycerides
- Increasing HDL cholesterol, which is a positive indicator of heart health
- Enhancing cognitive function
How to Follow a Ketogenic Diet
The main objective of a ketogenic diet is to maintain consumption below that of a conventional low-carb diet with moderate protein and a very high fat content since it is known that carbohydrates are the macronutrient that causes the greatest increase in blood glucose.
Given that different foods will have varying impacts on insulin and blood sugar levels, this will define the nutrient density of the ketogenic diet as well as how to follow it.
The amount of protein and carbs that can be consumed, as well as the length of time that a person wants to stay in ketosis, vary throughout the many various kinds of ketogenic diets.
It should be noted that certain ketogenic diets were created especially for athletes or those who regularly and intensely work out.
Considerations and Possible Dangers
There are some potential risks, including the ones listed above, even though the data on the ketogenic diet with diabetes is encouraging.
Hypoglycemia is one of the risks to be aware of. Reduced carbohydrate intake can induce dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can have serious health consequences like seizures or unconsciousness.
When those symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is necessary. However, prior to it, additional symptoms may indicate that your blood sugar is dangerously low, including:
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute. reduced blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Feeling jittery or shaky
- Excessive hunger
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Changes in vision or speech
- Confusion
- Irritability
When beginning a ketogenic diet, people with diabetes and a history of heart disease should exercise caution. Because more good fats are consumed during the initial phases of the diet adjustment, fat levels rise. Higher cholesterol levels may result from that, which may have negative consequences for those who already have heart disease or are at higher risk of getting it.
The research, however, is contradictory. According to certain research, there is no long-term negative impact of the ketogenic diet on the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, the ketogenic diet may raise a person’s risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. These findings might not apply to humans, though, as they were discovered in animal research.
Summary
Keto diet for diabetics is a good way to control blood sugar levels. There are other low-carb diet options available, though. Additionally, there are many negative dangers that could endanger life. Additionally, the diet is quite restrictive, making it difficult for some people to follow.
It is ultimately up to you and your healthcare practitioner to decide what kind of diet will assist you manage your diabetes. You should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the ketogenic diet as well as your current health status with your primary care physician before beginning any new diet, including the ketogenic diet.
For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.
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