The Ketogenic Diet (Keto-Diet) in Diabetes Management

The Ketogenic diet uses similar principles in Diabetes and weight management. As mentioned in the previous article on weight management, the Keto diet is a low carbohydrate, moderate protein, high fat diet.

Regulating blood sugars is very important in Diabetics to prevent complications, such as Kidney/renal failure, amputations, heart disease, impotence, retinopathy among other serious complications. In all types of Diabetes; Type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes, the challenge of blood sugar control and reduced insulin sensitivity is highly influenced by carbohydrate intake, more so the amounts and type of carbohydrate.

The Keto diet can be implemented in diabetics and has actually been seen to help persons with poor blood sugar control. To prevent hypoglycemia, I would advise you to have a Nutritionist/Dietitian create an individualized meal plan. Using the glycemic index and glycemic load of foods to determine the overall carbohydrate intake gives better results in blood sugar control.

As mentioned in the introductory article, the Ketogenic diet uses fat as the main energy source, instead of carbohydrates. Fat and protein take much longer to digest compared to carbohydrates. This means that it takes longer for sugars to be released in the blood stream, which automatically solves the problem of blood sugar spikes in diabetics.  

    

Weight management is a challenge in most diabetics, and it is majorly due to impaired insulin sensitivity. Various studies have found that the ketogenic diet improved insulin sensitivity in diabetics. Diabetics on the Keto diet have been reported to have better weight control, which prevents them from developing obesity, which is a risk factor for other Non-Communicable Diseases. 

   

Many diabetics also have various co-morbidities; therefore it is important for the Nutritionist/Dietitian to work closely with the Endocrinologist to ensure that the Keto diet does not cause any negative side effects.

The use of the Ketogenic diet in Diabetes management and its success in the same is not as vastly researched as its use in Neurological disorders such as Epilepsy, however the existing research indicates positive results.