How Does The Ketogenic Diet Work For Type 2 Diabetes?
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the type of diabetes that is usually acquired as a person ages. It is associated with changes in the way your body processes your sugar levels. The reasons behind this include reduced production of insulin by the pancreas and a reduced effect of insulin on cells. This causes blood sugar levels to rise. The high sugar levels increase inflammation and damage across the body leading to various other problems. If you suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is important to visit a doctor and bring your sugar levels under check for long-term health. While we discuss the ketogenic diet in this article, it is important to take the advice of your doctor before switching to such a diet or trying to self-treat.
What is a ketogenic diet?
The idea behind a ketogenic diet is to help the body to switch to a system that uses fat as the source of your energy, rather than glucose. Your body undergoes a kind of metabolic switching when you change the main source of nutrition. It is said to reduce the need for insulin and bring sugar levels under check. However, this diet may not be for everyone and does have its own risks. It is also important to note that switching to unhealthy sources of fat could cause other damage to your cardiovascular system. It is important to use healthy fats, rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain heart health.
What are sources of good fat for a ketogenic diet?
Sea fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, and seeds are good sources of fat. Olive oil is also considered to improve your heart health. They keep your HDL levels high and LDL levels low.
How can you start on a ketogenic diet?
You should definitely consult your doctor or nutritionist. Your doctor will tell you the ideal balance of carbohydrates and fats for your specific situation and recommend you ideal food based on your context and environment. Your doctor can also keep track of your other body functions and ensure that you are mentally prepared for the challenges of the switchover. Since the ketogenic diet has its risks, do not attempt to switch to such a diet on your own.
Is the keto diet the only recommended diet?
No. There are many diets recommended for diabetes, most of which focus on weight reduction. The Keto diet in itself has a variety of types. One common alternative is known as the Atkins diet, which does not recommend as much fat intake.
Keto diets were originally developed as a way to reduce epilepsy episodes in the 1920s. Several studies show improvements in some parameters with ketogenic diets, but almost no conclusive evidence of the long-term effects. There is also a variety of factors that affect how well you may choose and tolerate the right type of diet for you.
What are the potential benefits and dangers of a ketogenic diet switch?
It is important to know that there are not enough studies to determine the long-term effectiveness of the diet. Some of the short-term observations from various studies include:
- Lower blood glucose
- Lower need for insulin
- Lower blood pressure
- Improvements in HDL with the right kind of fat intake
Some of the potential side effects and risks of a ketogenic diet include:
- Symptoms of flu called “keto flu”
- Bowel changes like constipation
- Leg cramps
- Confusion or fogginess
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Loss of minerals
- General tiredness and weakness
- Potential for developing kidney stones
- Potential for developing fractures
- Problems with lipid levels
- Stunted growth
Is the ketogenic diet usually recommended by doctors?
A ketogenic diet may not always be the first option recommended. And even if it is, it will be under supervision. There are many other nutrient-rich diets that come with lesser risks and have been better studied. Depending on your condition and food habits, your doctor will make the best recommendation. As a policy, it is always good to reduce sugars and overall calorific intake, exercise regularly, and get good rest. It is also important to not be too anxious and stressed as the stress in itself can cause you more harm and do worse for your body’s metabolic control than a few extra calories you may consume.
