What is the Keto Diet?
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s also known as the ketogenic or “keto” diet. The idea behind this eating plan is to shift your body into a state of ketosis, which means using fat as fuel instead of carbs.
The history of the ketogenic diet can be traced back to 1921 when it was used for treating epilepsy in children who didn’t respond well to other treatments at the time (1). However, more recently people have started using it for weight loss and general health reasons because of its ability to lower blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance (2).
How the Keto Diet Affects Blood Sugar Levels
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that’s been shown to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
The benefits of the keto diet for diabetics are due to its ability to help reduce insulin resistance and lower blood glucose levels.
How the Keto Diet Can Help Diabetics
The keto diet can be a great way to lose weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower blood glucose levels.
- Weight Loss: One of the biggest benefits of following the keto diet is that it can help you lose weight. This is because when you restrict carbohydrates in your diet and increase fat intake, your body enters into ketosis–a metabolic state where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates as its primary source of fuel. In addition to helping people shed pounds quickly (and keep them off), this process also helps control blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance in those with type 2 diabetes.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Another benefit of following this eating plan is that it increases insulin sensitivity–or how well your body responds to insulin–which helps keep blood sugar levels under control even after eating carbs again (if you do). This means that if someone has type 1 diabetes or prediabetes but doesn’t want to take medication for their condition yet still wants some protection against high blood glucose levels caused by eating certain foods like breads or pasta every day then following this type
Risks of the Keto Diet for Diabetics
The keto diet can be a great way to manage diabetes, but it’s not without risks. Here are some of the most common side effects you might experience while on this diet:
- Dehydration – If you’re not drinking enough water, your body will start to break down muscle tissue for energy instead of burning fat. This can cause weakness and fatigue as well as constipation (which can lead to blood sugars getting too high).
- Low Blood Sugar – If you eat too much protein or fat at once, your blood sugar levels may drop too low–and stay there for hours after eating! This is called “hypoglycemia” in medical terms; in layman’s terms: feeling like crap all day long because nothing seems able to get into your bloodstream fast enough. Your body needs carbs so it knows how much insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) needs released into the system at any given moment; without them around anymore (or at least not nearly enough), things get messy quickly unless measures are taken beforehand such as bringing snacks along with us everywhere we go so we always have access when needed throughout day.”
How to Start the Keto Diet Safely
- Consult with a Medical Professional.
- Track Blood Glucose Levels.
- Monitor Progress.
Foods to Eat on the Keto Diet
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. You’ll be eating lots of foods that are high in fat and very few carbs. The best way to get started with the keto diet is by sticking to these guidelines:
- Eat high-fat foods like avocado, butter, beef bacon and cheese
- Avoid sugar (including fruit juices) and grains (breads/pasta/rice)
- Eat plenty of vegetables — preferably leafy greens
Foods to Avoid on the Keto Diet
The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. It’s usually used to help people lose weight and improve their health.
The keto diet has been shown to be effective for short-term weight loss. However, it also has some drawbacks that may make it less suitable for people with diabetes.
Tips for Sticking to the Keto Diet
There are a few things you can do to make sticking to the keto diet easier. First, plan your meals in advance. This will help you avoid making bad choices when hunger strikes and it’s time for lunch or dinner. Second, track your progress (or lack thereof) so that you know where improvements need to be made. Finally, avoid temptations by not keeping high-carb foods in the house or office–your willpower will thank you later!
The Bottom Line
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that’s been gaining popularity as a weight loss tool and lifestyle choice. While it may be beneficial for some people with diabetes, there are also risks associated with following this diet.
The main benefit of the keto diet is that it can help you lose weight quickly by reducing your daily carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption. This means that your body will burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose (sugar), which are broken down into glucose once they enter your bloodstream. If you’re trying to control blood sugar levels in order to manage diabetes symptoms like fatigue, hunger pangs and frequent urination–or if you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes–then this could be an effective way of managing those symptoms without medication!
However…the Keto Diet Isn’t Always Safe For Everyone
