Many diabetics have thought, “Since I’m diabetic, I’ll reduce my sugar intake or even go without sugar so my blood sugar won’t go up?”. When the sugar intake in the diet is low to a certain percentage, it is called a “keto diet”. Is the keto diet suitable for diabetics? Let’s learn how the keto diet works!
What is a Keto Diet?
There is no ideal recommended ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids for people who love sugar. The ratio of the distribution of these three nutrients can be adjusted according to individual needs. Carbohydrates primarily provide the body’s energy source. If carbohydrates make up more than 45% of total calories, it is a high-sugar diet.
The keto diet works by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing lipid intake. The body uses the ketone bodies produced by the liver to break down fat as a source of energy.
According to Eric Kral’s version of the keto diet, the ratio of the three main nutrients is 20% protein, 75% lipids, and 5% carbohydrates (sugar). The body cannot get enough food from carbohydrates because of insufficient carbohydrate intake. This is when the body uses the ketone bodies produced by the liver to break down fat as a source of energy. This “high-fat, low-carb” diet, where ketone bodies become the body’s primary source of energy, is known as the “keto diet”.
A Real-world Case Study of the Keto Diet for Diabetes
The keto diet was first used to treat people with epilepsy and was effective in improving their symptoms. In recent years, it has been increasingly used for weight loss or blood sugar control, with some success.
In 2017, an experiment was done. patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes were divided into two groups. One group used a keto diet and lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, and positive mood), and the other group. According to the dietary recommendations of the American Diabetes Health Association, carbohydrate intake should be at least 130 grams per day. Both groups underwent a 32-week observation program, and the final results showed that the keto diet group had significantly lower glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight loss than the control group. However, this study was only followed for 32 weeks and still does not prove that the keto diet can help with long-term glycemic control in people with diabetes.
In a 2014 paper by Laura R. Saslow et al, subjects were randomized according to guidelines into a low-carbohydrate, high-fat LCK group and a moderate-carbohydrate, low-fat, calorie-restricted MCCR group. American Diabetes Association. Among other things, both groups were required to receive educational sessions on diet, behavior change, and other diabetes-related nutrition. After 3 months of intervention, weight and glycated hemoglobin decreased in both groups, while weight and glycated hemoglobin decreased in the LCK group. significantly lower than in the MCCR group.
Although the two studies mentioned above suggest that the keto diet is more effective in reducing blood glucose and body weight, there is no information on whether the keto diet is suitable for diabetics’ long-term use, whether it has side effects after use, and whether it has other harmful effects on the body.
What Health Coaches Have to Say About the Keto Diet
What Types of Diabetics are Suitable for Trying a Keto Diet?
Nutritionists don’t particularly encourage the general population to try a keto diet. If you can lose weight and healthily control your blood sugar, the damage to your body is minimal, and you are likely to stay in shape over time. However, for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight and have been unable to find a way to lose weight, it is recommended that they try a keto diet after three months.
Risks of the Keto Diet and Details to Keep in Mind
- The production of ketone bodies may lead to nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. In severe cases, heart function may be affected and even death may occur.
- It is important to work with your medical team to confirm the need for medication adjustments to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Do not stop medication in a hurry.
- Blood sugar and weight changes must be carefully monitored during the keto diet.
- Be sure to incorporate regular exercise and muscle endurance training to prevent excessive loss of muscle mass and a decrease in basal metabolic rate during the weight loss process.
- Try the keto diet in three-month increments; it should not be used long-term.
What are the Possible Side Effects of the Keto Diet
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney stones
- Heart damage
- Possible hypoglycemia if medications are not coordinated
It‘s Recommended to Consult Your Medical Team Before Adopting Any Diet Plan
In the age of advanced information, it is easy to go crazy and implement a certain diet plan because of a prescription or a best-selling book in the market, but is it right for you, and will there be any side effects if you eat it? The truth is that people need to evaluate their health condition more carefully and thoroughly understand their diet concept.
If a diabetic wants to implement any sugar control or weight loss plan, it is recommended to discuss it with your medical team. With the assistance of your medical team, you can implement it with greater peace of mind and safety.
