Is the Ketogenic Diet Suitable for People with Diabetes

Ketosis is a metabolic condition during which fat and ketones take over as the body’s primary fuel source, replacing glucose (sugar). When needed, the liver releases glucose for energy. However, after one to two days of low carbohydrate consumption, these glucose stores become depleted.

Through a process known as gluconeogenesis, your liver can produce some glucose from amino acids, glycerol, and lactate, but not nearly enough to fuel your brain, which requires a steady supply of glucose. Fortunately, ketosis can give an alternate energy source, especially for the brain. The liver produces ketones from food fat and body fat. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone comprise the three ketone bodies.

Even when consuming a high-carbohydrate diet, your liver creates ketones regularly. It occurs primarily overnight as you sleep but in minute quantities. However, when glucose and insulin levels decline, such as on a carbohydrate-restricted diet, the liver produces more ketones to fuel the brain.

Once a particular threshold of blood ketones is reached, a person is deemed to be in nutritional ketosis. According to top ketogenic diet researchers, Drs. Steve Phinney and Jeff Volek, the minimal BHB concentration for nutritional ketosis is 0.5 mmol/L. (the ketone body measured in the blood).

Although both fasting and the ketogenic diet can induce ketosis, only the ketogenic diet is sustainable over the long term. It appears to be a healthful diet that individuals might potentially adhere to eternally.

 

Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis

Diabetes patients must comprehend the distinction between nutritional ketosis and ketoacidosis. Both include ketones. But ketoacidosis is a severe condition when the body lacks insulin, and excessive ketones accumulate. Symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, frequent urination, disorientation, and weakness or fatigue. Type 1 is more prevalent than type 2 diabetes.

Ketosis occurs at levels of ketones that are substantially lower and safer than ketoacidosis. In truth, this process occurs naturally, depending on the number of carbohydrates and protein you consume. Many people with diabetes can lose weight, particularly abdominal fat, and have a lower A1c if they are in this state.

 

Does the Keto Diet Work for Diabetics?

The ketogenic diet may help persons with type 2 diabetes lose weight and reduce their blood sugar levels. According to research, a one-year keto diet regimen resulted in people with type 2 diabetes losing healthy amounts of weight, requiring less medication, and lowering their A1c.

If you’re insulin resistant, which means you have higher blood sugar levels because your body doesn’t respond effectively to the hormone insulin, nutritional ketosis could be beneficial because you will require less insulin and produce less.

Fewer research has examined the ketogenic diet for individuals with type-1 diabetes. One small study revealed that it helped type 1 diabetic lower their glycated-hemoglobin test, but much more research is required to determine the diet’s full effects.

Remember that most studies have only examined the short-term effects of the keto diet. It is unknown whether it is a compelling long-term method for managing diabetes.

If you decide to try the ketogenic diet, keep in mind that it may be challenging to maintain. The plan’s deficient carbohydrate intake is a radical departure for many individuals. In addition, you may have weariness for a few weeks while your body adapts. It is advisable to create a meal plan that includes keto-friendly meals and snacks to keep on hand to ensure success.

 

Is the Ketogenic Diet Suitable for People with Diabetes?

It depends on the type of diabetes a patient has. In general, individuals with type 2 diabetes appear to achieve positive outcomes safely. If you have type 1 diabetes and want to try the keto diet, you must first consult your doctor. You must constantly monitor your health and keep an eye out for symptoms of ketoacidosis. It is advisable to collaborate closely with your physician for either type, as you may need to alter your prescriptions.

The ketogenic diet has various adverse effects that are important to be aware of hypoglycemia

Although the diet can reduce A1c readings, this may increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you are already taking diabetes medication. Inform your physician or diabetes educator if you attempt the keto diet. They can advise you on blood sugar monitoring, medication administration, and what to do if your blood sugar dips too low.

The ketogenic diet can reduce appetite and cut triglycerides — a type of fat that can impact the risk of heart disease — while adding to weight loss and memory in people who can adhere to it. However, this does not imply that the ketogenic diet is suitable for everyone. Ketosis should be avoided by those with kidney disease, breastfeeding or pregnant women, and those taking certain medications. Before attempting to attain this state, it is vital to discuss your diet goals with your doctor.

Notably, there is no long-term research on ketosis and the ketogenic diet; thus, it is unknown what long-term consequences the method may have on the body. Some nutritionists warn that the ketogenic diet may result in long-term nutritional deficiencies.

It would help if you did not attempt to achieve ketosis, including the ketogenic diet. Because persons with type 1 diabetes lack insulin, they cannot metabolize ketones, which are gradually eliminated in the urine of healthy individuals. The accumulation of ketone acids in the bloodstream of individuals with type 1 diabetes is known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

 

Final Thoughts

The liver creates ketones from meal fat and body fat, replacing glucose (sugar) during ketosis. A person is in nutritional ketosis when blood ketones reach a certain level. Insulin-resistant people may benefit from nutritional ketosis because they’ll need and create less insulin. Type 2 diabetics with the ketogenic diet? Diabetes type affects long-term impacts; additional research is required.

The ketogenic diet can lower A1c but raise hypoglycemia risk. Are you trying the keto diet? Tell your doctor or diabetic educator. Kidney disease patients, pregnant women, and those taking drugs should avoid ketosis.