Keto Diet for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), How Does It Work and Downsides?
Healthful Vitality | 09/28/2021 | By NP Contributor | Keto Diet for Type 2 Diabetes
Keto diets appear to be perfect for those living with T2D. Since it almost eliminates carbs from food, it may help lower blood glucose. It may even help reverse diabetes in some cases.
Keto diet is about getting 5% (max 10%) of calories from carbs, 70-75% from fats, and 20% from proteins.
Since it is so low in carbs, it improves insulin sensitivity, helps prevent postprandial glucose spikes in most cases. It is very similar to Atkin’s diet. Atkin’s diet is especially good for brain health and may even help control epilepsy, and the same is true for the keto diet.
However, the keto diet is not fit for Type 1 diabetes, or severe insulin-treated T2D, as it considerably increases the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
How does a keto diet work?
Those on the keto diet stop consuming all foods rich in carbs like potatoes, rice, and wheat and instead consume foods high in proteins and fats like eggs, lean meat.
Once a person switches to a keto diet, there is a sharp fall in blood glucose supply. It means that the body has to look for alternative sources of fuels. It forces the body to use fats (ketone bodies) to fulfill its energy needs. Finally, it means that the keto diet considerably increases the body’s fat-burning capacity.
It is not easy for the body to switch to fats for all its energy needs. Nonetheless, it is a regular thing. When people switch to a keto diet, the body initially struggles to meet energy needs, causing weakness, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms (keto flu). However, finally, the body gets used to using the alternative metabolic pathway.
The Keto diet works in many ways. It forces the body to burn fats more effectively, causing weight loss and other beneficial metabolic changes. Although the keto diet is rich in fats, it is still moderately rich in calories. Finally, some studies show that ketone bodies also have some direct healing effects. They are not just sources of calories.
Ketosis vs ketoacidosis
A Keto diet causes ketosis, whereas ketoacidosis is a dangerous, life-threatening complication of diabetes.
Ketosis simply involves using ketone bodies for energy needs. However, since there is a higher number of circulating ketone bodies in the keto diet, it may cause changes in body odor.
Ketoacidosis is altogether a different thing. It is a condition when body cells become energy-hungry due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Thus, there is not enough glucose entering the body cells. As a result, it forces the body to produce uncontrollably high amounts of ketones, causing blood pH to change and leading to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Ketosis also occurs without a keto diet, like due to prolonged fasting or practicing some sports.
Downsides of the keto diet
The Keto diet may sound good, but it also has its downsides. For example, a Keto diet is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or severe insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, as it increases DKA risk. Additionally, it is also deficient in dietary fiber and certain micronutrients primarily found in grains. To conclude, the keto diet may help with T2D in most cases. However, anyone practicing such a diet form should share this information with the treating doctor, as it may need certain treatment adjustments.
(Related: Keto breakfast ideas for diabetics)