Nutrition is key for preventing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is even more true in today’s world where obesity and diabetes are pandemic. Continue reading to learn about the benefits of ketogenic diet in diabetes. Keto means ketosis. Ketosis is a state develop when body use fat as a primary energy source.
The ketogenic diet is high in fat and low in carbs. It practically change the way your body stores and uses energy. This change in energy utilization helps in improving the symptoms of diabetes.
What Is Diabetes And Types Of Diabetes
Before we proceed, let us understand some basic medical terms and conditions. Diabetes is a disorder in which body is not able to utilize glucose properly. This results in an increase in blood sugar levels. There are two types of Diabetes, Type I and Type II diabetes.
In Type I diabetes, your body does not make insulin. The immune system of your body attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin.
In Type II diabetes, your body does not produce or utilize insulin properly. This is the most common type of diabetes and can occur at any age group.
The ketogenic diet improves blood glucose levels and also reduce the need for insulin. However, this diet has it’s own risks. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor before choosing to go with this diet plan.
How Keto Diet Works In Diabetes
Majority of people with Type II diabetes are over weight. So, a fat rich diet in them seems odd. Fat rich diet doesn’t mean you should pile up on saturated fats. Heart healthy fats are the key to a successful ketogenic diet plan. Here is the list of foods that should be consumed in a ketogenic diet plan.
Although the modern medicine is still not sure about the exact mechanism which makes ketogenic diet effective for diabetic patients. Here are three most possible factors behind this.
a. Carbohydrate Restriction: By restricting the intake of carbs you will stimulate the production of ketones and ultimately enters a state of ketosis. This helps in supporting weight loss, better control of blood sugar levels and decreases insulin resistance.
b. Calorie Intake Reduction: Ketogenic diet and low-calorie diet have shown to reduce insulin resistance. There are several studies which supports the role of calorie restriction in improving the metabolic state.
c. By Reducing Body Fat: Increased body fat has shown to increase the risk of development of diabetes. Ketogenic diet plan has proven itself to be effective in losing weight by utilizing fat as the primary energy source.
Research And Scientific Data
In a 24 weeks long study, conducted in 2008, researchers observed that the patients who followed the keto diet showed better glycemic control and a reduction in medication as compared to those who followed a low-glycemic diet.
In a 32 weeks study conducted in 2017, the ketogenic diet outperformed the conventional low-fat diabetic diet, in achieving weight loss and a better BMI and HbA1c (3 months sugar control).
When compared to the calorie-restrict diet, the patients who opted ketogenic diet experienced a three times greater reduction in HbA1C levels (1.5% vs. 0.5% respectively).
In Nutshell: When compared to a calorie-restricted diet, a very-low carbohydrate diet or the ketogenic diet leads to better overall improvement in symptoms that are associated with diabetes (type II) specially in obese individuals.
Thanks For Reading!!!
Some Must Reads:
HealthMonastery 