This article explores various dietary strategies for managing diabetes, focusing on the distinctions between low-carb and ketogenic diets and the role of very low calorie diets. We'll delve into how these approaches impact blood glucose, weight loss, and the potential for diabetes remission, directly addressing the question: Can keto reverse diabetes?
When managing diabetes, dietary choices are crucial. Both low-carb and ketogenic diets help effectively. The key difference is the degree of carbohydrate restriction: the ketogenic diet is an ultra-low-carb, strategic diet that drastically cuts carbohydrates to induce ketosis, when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.
Research by Stanford Medicine indicates that both the ketogenic and Mediterranean diets can help to control blood glucose levels and promote weight loss, with the Mediterranean diet being easier to maintain long-term. The ketogenic diet requires more stringent adherence, but it can be used for short interventions to produce more rapid weight loss and more intensive metabolic changes. However, in the context of diabetes, it should always be performed under medical supervision as it can result in nutritional deficiencies if not well planned.
A very low calorie diet (VLCD) is another dietary approach that has shown promise in managing diabetes. VLCDs involve consuming fewer than 800 calories per day and can lead to rapid weight loss. This approach is particularly effective for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as reducing calorie intake can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.
According to News-Medical, VLCDs can also reduce inflammation and improve overall metabolic health. However, it is essential that VLCDs are supervised by healthcare professionals to ensure adequate nutrition and the avoidance of potential health risks.
By strictly limiting the fat in a keto diet, it is possible to combine these two approaches to design a keto diet that is also very low calorie: the very low calorie keto diet or VLCKD. This can be used to bring the advantages of each approach into a single diet.
Diabetes remission occurs when blood glucose levels are maintained within the normal range without the need for diabetes medications. Achieving remission is a significant goal for any individual with type 2 diabetes, as it can greatly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.
Dietary changes, particularly those involving significant weight loss, play a critical role in achieving diabetes remission. Both ketogenic and very low calorie diets have been shown to help individuals achieve remission by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the body's reliance on medication.
Active research continues into the ketogenic diet's potential to manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests its drastic carb reduction helps stabilise blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed on its long-term effects and efficacy. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting this diet.
For those interested in a sustainable approach to diabetes management, consider exploring the best long term weight loss program tailored to your needs.