The Ketogenic Diet and Diabetes

The Ketogenic Diet occupies a unique place in nutrition science across the world in the sense that it has the largest number of devotees and the largest number of critics at the same time. 

The unfortunate truth is that both camps – pro and against – are RIGHT! The school of thought that vehemently advocates the Ketogenic Lifestyle has undoubtedly experienced the sheer transformational power of this diet – both physical and mental health parameters.

It’s become widespread and the market is filled with brands that claim to be the best. Well, if you are planning to get fit, you may well be interested in a Ketogenic diet.

The camp that thinks that Ketogenic Diet is an unhealthy fad is also right (in a sense) – The Ketogenic Diet can indeed have harmful effects BUT only when it is improperly and carelessly executed. This improper execution is something that takes away the essence of the Keto Diet and leads to various misconceptions regarding the same. 

The opposition of a Ketogenic Diet is actually an opposition to an improperly executed Ketogenic Diet. The problem, therefore, lies with the improper, unguided and haphazard Ketogenic Diet Plan.

It’s been observed that the ILL EFFECTS of a Ketogenic Diet that some people experience are actually the ILL EFFECTS OF A BADLY EXECUTED KETOGENIC DIET.

As an example, consider any tool of common use – like a kitchen knife. A knife makes life easier in the kitchen. It is a great tool when used properly. It helps you take the good and cut the bad. In several cases, the improper and careless use of the knife might end up cutting and bruising you – Do you then blame the knife for improper usage?

It is the same for the Ketogenic Diet or for any other diet for that matter. The results of a healthy Ketogenic diet can be measured by the extent of its good execution. Though a tough one to follow among other diets, the results are rapid and impressive.

The specialty of a Ketogenic Diet is that its not another diet for weight management or weight loss. It’s a powerful transformational paradigm that helps in chronic condition management and reversal. Doctors generally prescribe Ketogenic Diet to Type-I Diabetics. Many kinds of research have proved it’s benefits for people with chronic health conditions. 

A HEALTHY KETOGENIC DIET helps in reversal and management of chronic conditions like Thyroid, PCOD, and Type-II Diabetes.Epilepsy, Metabolic Syndrome, Glycogen Storage Disease, Autism, Parkinson’s Disease, GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome are some other examples of chronic conditions that can be managed very well through a balanced Ketogenic Diet.

People who oppose the Keto Diet, think that a Ketogenic Diet is about mindless consumption of fats – bacon, ghee, oil, meats, etc. However, this could not be farther from the truth. In fact, one should try to stick to a vegetarian Keto as long as possible and consume healthy fats (polyunsaturated) – not any fats. Remember, you are on a Keto diet and not on a Fat-diet.

The thing comes, at last, to the commonly asked question about the keto diet, the question about diabetes and keto diet, Is keto diet healthy for diabetics? Is keto diet good for diabetes? The relationship between the Keto diet and diabetes will be discussed in this article. 

Is Keto Diet Good For Diabetes?

The Ketogenic Diet gets a lot of flak because it is a fairly extreme dietary regimen that challenges the conventional view of “high carbs, low fat”. However, very-low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets are actually a healthy lifestyle choice for diabetes.

Ketogenic diets are increasingly successful in preventing and anticipating diabetes when contrasted with low-calorie diets.Some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may help the type 2 diabetics to lose their weight and reduce blood sugar levels. Some researches also show that a keto diet can lower the need for medications in type 2 diabetics. 

If you are Insulin resistant, means that you have higher blood sugar levels as your body isn’t responding well to the insulin hormone. The keto diet will benefit you as your body will make and also need less insulin.A decrease in A1c levels, resulting because of the keto diet, will also help diabetics, according to a study.

1. It helps us sustain a calorie deficit which builds insulin sensitivity and brings down glucose and HbA1C.
2. It helps us lose fat, which reduces inflammation and the production of signaling molecules that provoke insulin resistance.
3. It altogether diminishes our glycemic load, which causes us to control glucose levels and lessening our insulin needs.
4. It invigorates the production and use of ketones. This can, directly and indirectly, reduce insulin resistance via multiple mechanisms.

Is Keto Diet Safe For Diabetics?

The effects on the diabetics will depend on the type of diabetes. People will Type 2 diabetes will benefit through weight loss and reduced sugar levels. Though consulting a doctor is advised, the case with Diabetes Type 1 patients is more of a concern. Some studies have suggested some ill-effects on the type 1 diabetics. 

You should also know that a ketogenic diet can have side effects and most people experience symptoms like headaches, fatigue, weakness, etc. The ill-effect the ketogenic diet can have on diabetics is hypoglycemia. The lowering of blood sugar levels to extreme lows can cause hypoglycemia.

Hence, it can be concluded that the ketogenic diet could very well be a healthy solution to manage diabetes. Before taking on the keto diet, you should always consult your doctor. The low-carb dietary regime can have good effects on people with diabetes type 2 and people trying to lose weight.

If you are thinking amount starting your keto regime or get to a keto diet, please give our other related articles a read. These articles will tell you the most things you need to know about the keto diet, its benefits, and probable side effects that you might face on a keto diet if you are having any related health issues.

We wish you good luck with your keto health regime!