The keto diet is a very low carbohydrate diet with typically 10% or less of daily calories: for 2,000 calories a day, that’s 50 grams or less worth of carbs. Fat makes up about 55-60%, with protein around 30-35%. But is it safe for diabetics? asks Diatribe.
The low-carb content causes the body to break down stored fat into ketones, which are used for energy by your cells in the same way as glucose is used for energy. It induces a state called ketosis, when there’s not enough glucose to use for fuel or insulin to bring glucose into cells, as reported by DiaTribe (see link below).
While the keto diet isn’t for everyone, research does show some benefits for diabetes management like improved HbA1c and glycemic control. One possible reason for improved diabetes management is the need for insulin is less, given the restricted amount of carbohydrates,
However, any diabetic on the keto diet may have to contend with important nutritional deficits:
- Nutrition: the very low-carb nature of the keto diet means sacrificing certain macro- and micronutrients necessary for general health, such as fibre, so thiamin and other vitamins including B6, C, D, and E, may need to be supplemented.
- Hypo: the keto diet may reduce your body’s insulin requirements, so having a CGM might be helpful.
- Ketosis vs ketoacidosis: Ketosis simply means your body is creating ketones from stored fat, but, these fatty acid-based ketones can make your blood dangerously acidic if they build up too much and also build up blood glucose. This can put you into a potentially life-threatening state known as ketoacidosis, so having a meter to measure blood ketones can be very helpful.
- Cholesterol: studies have found that the keto diet can cause dramatic spikes in cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart attacks and other forms of heart disease. However, there are medications like statins hat can lower your cholesterol.
There is usually only a small jump to the keto diet from most diabetes-friendly diets, and the following food sources are recommended for starting out on it:
- Carbs: as many vegetables as possible.
- Proteins: lean meats, fish, nuts, and seeds, rather than saturated fat-laden meats like sausage and bacon.
- Healthy fats: nuts, seeds and some oils (like olive oil), again avoiding sources of saturated fat.
Foods to avoid (or limit) on the keto diet include bread, pasta, alcohol, sugary drinks and starchy vegetables like potatoes. Those trying the keto diet that they may have to supplement with fiber and multivitamins.
Further research is needed on the efficacy and safety of the ketogenic diet in those with type 1 diabetes. This very low carb diet may be appropriate for select people, but only after a thorough discussion with their healthcare team about the risks and benefits.
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