Can a low-carb, high-fat, ketogenic diet treat type 2 diabetes? The results of many, many scientific studies say YES!
To understand why a ketogenic diet reverses type 2 diabetes we need to know how the disease is caused in the first place.
Hyperglycemia doesn’t like that the Ketogenic Diet is Very Low-Carb
Type 2 diabetes is brought about because of the way a person’s body responds to food, in particular, carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the primary cause of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and modern diets are loaded with it. So common sense might suggest restricting their intake, unfortunately, many (with other vested interests) will refute that, but luckily scientists are on it and have been for some time.
Sadly, in the modern world, we have steered away from treating the underlining cause of illness, instead, we medicate. Medicine is big industry you see and big industry says, “a Snickers satisfies”. Thankfully science says the polar opposite.
With a fist full of drugs and diets loaded with sugar how can you expect to ever get to a healthy and enjoyable quality of life?
This real scientific study Effect of low-calorie versus low-carb ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes shows how the ketogenic diet effectively manages not only type 2 diabetes in but in doing so LCHF diets also decrease the risk of heart problems significantly.
What makes the Ketogenic Diet so special in treating type 2 diabetes?
- Put simply, the ketogenic diet takes away the factor of the type 2 diabetic body processing carbohydrates in a way that results in hyperglycemia because the carbohydrates aren’t there. Real scientific study The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet versus a low-glycemic index diet on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- The high fat and low carb macronutrients of the ketogenic diet actually improves heart health as opposed to calorie-restricted low-fat diets. Real scientific study > Weight and metabolic outcomes after 2 years on a low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet: a randomized trial.
- Carbohydrate-restricted diets are “at least” as effective at weight control (a major concern for a good portion of type 2 diabetes sufferers) plus beneficial for heart health. More from real science> Dietary carbohydrate restriction in type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: time for a critical appraisal.
- Ketogenic Diets are much easier to stick to as they actually have a hunger blunting effect by controlling the hunger hormone ghrelin, you’ll never feel hungry. You’re also not restricting calories (though many do incidently as they’re not as hungry). Real scientific research > Ketosis and appetite-mediating nutrients and hormones after weight loss.
What should you do if you Suffer Type 2 Diabetes and want to start a Ketogenic Diet to treat it?
- You should talk to your Medical Practitioner first.
- Do not act upon treating yourself with information from the internet or otherwise (this article included).
- Research and go to your Doctor armed with knowledge and ask questions, tell them what you’ve discovered and what research backs it. Some will think you’re telling them to do their job, that’s tough luck it’s your life!
- If, in your mind, you are not satisfied or don’t feel heard seek another medical professionals opinion, do not go it alone.
- If you don’t already have a Doctor, seek out Medical Professionals with an open mind who have their finger on the pulse of current science. Some Medical Professionals (just like some Mechanics) become lazy and complacent after too many years in the job or are just in it for the money.
- It’s your life, take control of it with the best professional help you can find.
Conclusion & My Final Thoughts on the Keto Diet and Type2 Diabetes
So in conclusion, if you were to ask me, can a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) Ketogenic Diet treat type 2 diabetes? My answer would be, “from my research and the evidence presented to me, I not only think that you can treat type 2 diabetes with a keto diet but I think you could rid yourself of it. But don’t take my word for it here is the scientific research please study it yourself and have a good day”. 🙂
