The Keto Diet for Diabetics – Harmful or Beneficial?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that leads to abnormal levels of blood sugar in our bodies. If not checked, it may cause serious damage to the body. While medications play their part, dietary changes can positively affect blood sugar levels. When considering making a lifestyle change to improve health, people ask, “What is the most effective and best diet for diabetes?” The consensus believes that the keto diet for diabetes is the best solution, as it is a low-carb diet.
What is the keto diet?
Keto diets aim to lower the blood sugar level by reducing carbohydrates in the diet. Simply put, it’s a low-carb, high-fat diet plan.
The keto diet meal plan states the following:
- More fat – about 75% of your daily diet.
- Moderate amount of protein – 20% of your daily calories .
- Limited amount of carbohydrates – as low as 5% of calories consumed per day.
Keto for medical cases
The keto diet has been here for a century. It is believed to be useful as a treatment tool for various medical conditions such as:
- Epilepsy in children
- – Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- – Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Diabetes _
- – dementia
- Bipolar Disorders
- Some cancers
What happens if a diabetic uses the keto diet?
When a person with diabetes follows the keto diet meal plan, the body enters the phase of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the body begins to use body fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This phenomenon has led to the widespread belief that the keto diet for diabetics is beneficial in terms of weight loss and blood sugar control.
The word ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes. When blood sugar reaches high levels and there is a shortage of insulin, the body begins to break down fat cells to meet energy demands. Ketones are released into the blood as a result of the breakdown of fats. High levels of ketones can be fatal and lead to ketoacidosis.
see aslo: what can you eat on the atkins diet
Is keto for diabetes harmful?
Under certain conditions, the keto diet may do more harm to the body than do good.
- low blood sugar
Not monitoring your blood sugar levels when eating keto meals can be dangerous. When ketosis begins within a few weeks of the diet, blood sugar levels can drop. If monitoring is irregular and the dose of the medicine is not adjusted to match the changing blood sugar levels, this may cause serious problems.
- High blood sugar
If the keto diet is not actively followed, blood sugar levels may rise as a result. According to research, the keto diet for diabetes does not allow the body to use insulin optimally. It can lead to insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Increased risk of obesity and cholesterol
Since the keto diet considers 75% fat a major component of the diet, it can be harmful. People with diabetes often also have a higher chance of developing dyslipidemia (abnormally high levels of cholesterol or fats in the blood). Excess fat intake can raise cholesterol levels.
Although there is no evidence to support this theory, there could be a link between the keto diet and the risk of obesity and heart disease.
- Weight gain after diet
If the diet is not properly maintained or left suddenly, there may be weight gain after the diet. The body’s metabolism and insulin levels may not be adjusted accordingly. This behavior of the body can create a problem.
Symptoms related to the keto diet to watch out for:
Consult a diabetes doctor if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms when following the keto diet for diabetics:
- High blood sugar readings don’t drop at all
- dry mouth
- increased frequency of urination
- nausea
- The smell of fruits in your breath
- breathing difficulties
- Fatigue and confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Blood sugar readings are lower than normal
Side effects of the keto diet
The keto diet is known to have some side effects. Uncontrolled keto diets or ketogenic diet plans that are not synchronized with a person’s diabetes history and metabolism can have side effects. Some of the side effects that may occur with keto diets include:
- Vitamin deficiency
- lack of blood sugar
- kidney stones
- Mineral deficiency
- Constipation
- Digestive discomfort
- Low bone mineral density
- Heart disease risk
Conclusion
The basic premise of keto diets and their effect on blood sugar levels makes it one of the contenders as the best diet for diabetics. The nutritional requirements, calories, metabolism, and type of diabetes vary between individuals. Experts suggest that a person with diabetes should follow a sustainable diet for an extended period of time. The keto diet or other extreme diet plans may show exciting results in a short period, but are difficult to follow throughout life. One should learn about a healthy diabetes nutrition plan from their doctor and registered dietitian based on their eating habits, choice, and health needs. A diabetes diet plan should be tailored to your health needs, taste, food choice and availability, something that is easy to follow throughout your life.