Keto Diet and Diabetes: How It Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Living with Type 2 Diabetes requires careful consideration of dietary choices. One emerging approach gaining attention for its potential benefits for diabetes is the Keto diet. From weight loss to improved metabolic health, the keto diet has become a popular option for managing diabetes.

This comprehensive article will discuss everything you need to know about the keto diet and its benefits for managing type 2 diabetes.

Key Takeaways:

• The keto diet is safe for people with type 2 diabetes under medical supervision.
• Keto improves blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and heart health while reducing dependency on medication.

Table of Contents:

• Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis
• What is the Keto Diet?
• Keto Diet’s Effect on Blood Glucose
• Keto Diet and Diabetes Research
• How Fat Helps Prevent Diabetes
• Is the Keto Diet Safe for People With Diabetes?
• Monitoring Diabetes on a Keto Diet
• Conclusion

Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis

Ketosis and ketoacidosis are two entirely different things. Here’s why:

Ketosis

Ketosis is a natural metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the bloodstream. They are produced when the body breaks down fats for energy¹ without sufficient carbohydrates.

This metabolic switch typically occurs when carbohydrate intake is restricted, such as fasting or following a low-carbohydrate diet like the Keto diet.

Although the byproduct is ketones, ketosis is a rare cause of acidosis, which means it does not cause life-threatening symptoms.

Ketoacidosis

Ketoacidosis,² on the other hand, is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition that primarily affects individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.

In rare cases, ketoacidosis can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes.

It occurs when the cells cannot absorb glucose from the blood due to a lack of insulin. The body then has to rely solely on fat reserves to provide ketones as an energy source.

Ketoacidosis is characterized by dangerously high levels of ketones in the blood, leading to an acidic pH. Due to the acidity, diabetic ketoacidosis³ manifests with symptoms such as fruity-scented breath, confusion, and rapid breathing.

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet, commonly known as the Keto diet,⁴ is a distinctive nutritional approach that prioritizes low carbohydrate intake, moderate protein consumption, and high-fat intake.

By sharply reducing the availability of carbohydrates, the body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the liver transforms fats into ketone bodies, an alternative energy source that replaces glucose.

This shift not only encourages effective fat utilization, aiding in weight loss, but also holds potential benefits for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes by stabilizing blood glucose levels.

The Keto diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but its variations allow for some flexibility to accommodate diverse nutritional needs and preferences.

• Standard Ketogenic Diet (SKD)
• Very-low-carb ketogenic diet (VLCKD)
• Targeted Ketogenic Diet (TKD)
• Calorie-restricted ketogenic diet
• Cyclical Ketogenic Diet (CKD)

Keto Diet’s Effect on Blood Glucose

The impact of the keto diet on one’s blood glucose mainly relies on the low-carbohydrate intake.⁵

The Keto diet significantly changes how the body processes and utilizes glucose by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body transitions to burning fats for energy, leading to lower levels of circulating glucose.

Here’s what happens to the body at the cellular level when doing the keto diet:

1. Initiation of Ketosis: Low carbohydrate intake leads to reduced glucose availability, prompting a decrease in insulin secretion.
2. Gluconeogenesis Activation: The liver initiates gluconeogenesis,⁶ synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources to maintain blood sugar levels.
3. Glycogen Utilization: Depleted glucose levels prompt the utilization of stored glycogen as an immediate energy source.
4. Transition to Ketogenesis: Once glycogen reserves are exhausted, the body shifts to ketogenesis in the liver, breaking down fatty acids into ketone bodies.
5. Ketone Body Utilization: Ketones become the primary energy source, especially for the brain,¹ sparing glucose for tissues with higher energy demands.
6. Mitochondrial Impact: Ketosis influences cellular processes at the mitochondrial level,⁷ showcasing the body’s adaptability in transitioning between carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Additionally, the effects of the Keto diet on blood glucose are intertwined with its broader metabolic impact. Elevating ketone bodies during ketosis is an alternative energy source and may contribute to the diet’s positive effects on insulin sensitivity.

However, since diabetes is a metabolic disorder, regular monitoring of the blood chemistries is recommended to ensure safety.

Keto Diet and Diabetes Research

The keto diet is an all-rounder that offers benefits even for people living with diabetes. Here are some of the science-backed effects of the keto diet for diabetes:

Improved Glycemic Control:

Scientific studies consistently report that the Keto diet is associated with improved glycemic control in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Reduced carbohydrate intake leads to stabilized blood glucose levels, potentially lowering the need for diabetes medications.

A good research example is this 2022 study among overweight subjects with Type 2 diabetes,⁸ stating that the keto diet improved glycemic control and recommended the keto diet as a therapeutic intervention.

Another study commends the keto diet⁹ for lowering fasting blood glucose by 1.29 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin A1c by 1.07 among patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity:

Research suggests that the Keto diet may reduce insulin resistance,¹⁰ a crucial factor in managing Type 2 Diabetes. Improved insulin sensitivity means the body can use insulin more effectively to regulate blood sugar, reducing the risk of insulin resistance.

The keto diet’s positive effects on improving insulin sensitivity are due to weight loss and low-carbohydrate intake.

According to a 2023 data review,¹¹ people on the keto diet have improved insulin sensitivity after weight loss, and some studies also suggest the same even without weight loss. 

Weight Loss and Heart Health:

Numerous studies affirm the Keto diet’s effectiveness in promoting weight loss, a critical aspect of diabetes management.¹² Weight loss contributes to improved metabolic health, reducing the burden on insulin-producing cells and aiding in overall glycemic control.

According to this 2020 meta-analysis,⁹ diabetic subjects under the keto diet have reduced waist circumference by 9.17 cm and BMI by 3.13. Another study also concluded with similar results of decreased weight and BMI.⁸

Moreover, studies suggesting the weight loss benefits of the keto diet also noted reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein while elevating high-density lipoprotein, which boosts heart health.

These results indicate the keto diet’s benefits not only for losing weight but also for preventing diabetes complications, as heart disease is one of the most common complications.

Reduced Medication Dependency:

Some individuals following the Keto diet under medical supervision have been able to reduce or eliminate their dependency on diabetes medications. Improved blood sugar profiles often accompany this reduction in medication usage.

For instance, in a study on patients with type 2 diabetes under the keto diet,¹³ 7 patients discontinued their medication, 10 got reduced dosages, and only 4 stayed unchanged.

This only means that the keto diet can maintain one’s blood sugar levels even without medications.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Chronic inflammation is a common feature of diabetes. The Keto diet’s emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods may contribute to reducing inflammation levels,¹⁴ potentially offering additional benefits in diabetes management.

Potential Neuroprotective Effects:

Emerging research explores the potential neuroprotective effects of ketones,¹⁵ the byproducts of fat metabolism during ketosis. This may have implications for preserving cognitive function, as diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

It’s also important to note that the keto diet was invented as an epilepsy treatment.

How Fat Helps Prevent Diabetes

Here’s the deal: the benefits from fat intake rely on the source of fat. Healthy fats like monounsaturated fat¹⁶ found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish, have demonstrated the ability to enhance insulin sensitivity.

This means that cells become more responsive to insulin, facilitating better regulation of blood sugar levels.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, prevalent in fatty fish, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties¹⁷ that can potentially lower the risk of developing diabetes by mitigating chronic inflammation associated with insulin resistance.

Now, the trick for preventing diabetes is preventing or reversing insulin resistance¹⁸ through natural yet effective ways like the keto diet.

Is the Keto Diet Safe for People With Diabetes?

Yes, under medical supervision, the Keto diet is safe and has shown promise in enhancing blood sugar control, potentially reducing the reliance on diabetes medications.

However, the individualized nature of diabetes management necessitates close collaboration with healthcare professionals. Adjustments to diabetes medications, especially insulin dosages, may be required to prevent hypoglycemia.

Potential side effects, commonly known as the “keto flu,” including temporary fatigue and electrolyte imbalances, should be monitored.

Monitoring Diabetes on a Keto Diet

Regular visits to your healthcare provider are crucial when doing the keto diet to manage your diabetes. They may need to check your blood levels to ensure effectiveness and safety.

• Blood Glucose Levels:¹⁹ Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is paramount. This helps individuals and healthcare professionals assess the impact of the Keto diet on glycemic control and make necessary adjustments.
• Ketone Levels:²⁰ Monitoring ketone levels is essential to ensure the body is in a safe state of ketosis. Excessive ketone production, especially in the presence of high blood sugar, may lead to ketoacidosis, a potentially serious condition.
• Regular Medical Check-Ups: Routine medical check-ups are crucial to assess overall health, including kidney function and cardiovascular health. The Keto diet can affect these aspects, and regular monitoring allows for timely interventions if needed.

Conclusion

From glycemic control and increased insulin sensitivity to prevention of diabetes complications, the keto diet is a safe and effective way to manage and prevent diabetes. While there are transitional side effects, they are temporary and manageable.

However, despite its effectiveness, medical supervision is crucial to secure safety. If you plan on doing the keto diet, talk to your healthcare provider for preventative measures and continuous monitoring.

If you are interested in another dietary approach that can help manage type 2 diabetes, look at intermittent fasting for diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

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