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The ketogenic, or “keto,” diet has become a buzzword in the world of nutrition, praised for its role in weight loss, energy management, and blood sugar control. But for people living with diabetes, a condition that requires constant attention and care, the question is not just about results, it’s about safety. Is the keto diet a friend or foe for diabetics?
What is the Keto Diet
The keto diet involves a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake, often to less than 50 grams a day, and increasing the intake of healthy fats. This pushes the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where fat becomes the primary source of energy instead of glucose. For someone without diabetes, this shift may result in weight loss and more stable energy levels. But for someone managing diabetes, the effects can be more complex.
Is the Keto diet safe for Type 2 Diabetes?
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the keto diet can offer some important advantages. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that cutting carbs can lead to lower blood sugar levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and significant weight loss, all of which are beneficial in managing the disease. In fact, some people with type 2 diabetes have been able to reduce or even discontinue certain medications under medical supervision after adopting a well-planned keto diet.
However, these benefits come with a caveat: this is not a DIY approach. For people on insulin or glucose-lowering medications, the reduction in carbohydrate intake can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, a dangerous drop in blood sugar that can lead to confusion, fainting, or even seizures. Adjusting medication and monitoring blood sugar closely becomes crucial when transitioning to keto.
Additionally, the restrictive nature of the keto diet may not be sustainable or emotionally healthy for everyone. For people already feeling overwhelmed by food choices, blood sugar checks, and medication management, such a rigid diet can add mental and emotional strain.
Is the Keto diet extremely unsafe for Type 2 diabetes?
When it comes to type 1 diabetes, the risks of the keto diet often outweigh the benefits. Unlike type 2 diabetes, where the body produces some insulin, type 1 is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin at all. In this context, a high-fat, low-carb diet can lead to the accumulation of ketones in the blood, which, if not balanced properly, can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
DKA is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. It causes the blood to become dangerously acidic, leading to symptoms like extreme thirst, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, coma. Because people with type 1 diabetes already rely on external insulin, making the metabolic shift into ketosis can make it harder to control ketone levels, increasing the danger.
The keto diet is not inherently bad for people with diabetes, but it is not universally safe either. For some with type 2 diabetes, it can be a powerful tool for weight loss and blood sugar control, provided it’s done with proper medical oversight. For those with type 1 diabetes, the risk of complications is higher, and most experts advise against attempting a keto diet without strict medical supervision, if at all.
Every person with diabetes has a unique body, lifestyle, and medical history. What works for one individual could be harmful for another. That’s why the most important ingredient in any diabetes-friendly diet is personalisation, guided by evidence, supported by healthcare professionals, and tailored to fit both the body’s needs and the heart’s wellbeing.
Before considering a keto diet, or any major dietary shift, it’s essential to talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian who understands diabetes. In the end, the goal isn’t just managing blood sugar. It’s creating a lifestyle that supports long-term health, emotional ease, and a sense of control over one’s condition.
Reference – TheWeek