Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that affects blood sugar regulation. The management of this disease can be difficult. Adjustments in lifestyle, diet, and exercise are keys to maintaining healthy body weight and managing diabetes. The Ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high-fat diet that is becoming popular among people seeking to reduce body fat and cut down on carbohydrate intake. These days, many people managing Type 2 Diabetes are being advised to turn to the ketogenic diet.
Can the ketogenic diet help T2D?
The keto diet was first created in 1924 to treat epilepsy but it quickly gained popularity as people saw its benefits. The diet focuses on altering the body’s usage of sugar for energy; the goal is to have the body use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose. It’s important to note that when you’re using the keto diet to help T2D, you should focus on healthy fats. Until your A1C lowers below the level that puts you at danger for T2D, you should make sure that your fat comes from organic C8 oil and plant sources such as avocados. While many people appreciate that the keto diet lets you enjoy foods like bacon and eggs, you should hold off on indulging on these until you’ve managed some weight loss and better control of your A1C levels.
Type 2 Diabetes patients have the problem of storing and utilizing glucose sugar, hence the need for insulin. The goal of management therapies is to reduce body weight, sugar usage, and the dependence on insulin through exercise and dietary changes; it is only logical that a diet which can supply an alternative source of energy, and at the same time help the body burn fat faster, would be recommended. That’s why the keto diet seems like a great fit for helping control your T2D.
It is important to note that the American Diabetes Association (ADA) does not recommend one diet over another. It’s important that you work alongside your doctor to find the best diet for you and your medical conditions. If you need a type 2 diabetes diet and you and your doctor have decided that it is safe to start the ketogenic diet, then you need to make sure that you do your research. Fortunately, I’ve done a lot of the legwork for you; you can check out the Units in my Intentionally Bare Facebook Group for some basic information regarding the keto diet.
Here are some of the ways in which the ketogenic diet can help T2D:
Long-Term Control of Blood Sugar Levels
When you’re not consuming sugar or grains, you’re less likely to run into blood glucose spikes. Limiting your daily carbohydrates is one of the best things you can do to bring your blood glucose under control. Eating foods like bone broth (US | Canada) can help you stay full without needing the extra calories that come from breads or sweet treats.
Burning of Excess Body Fat
As your body becomes fat-adapted, your body begins gaining nourishment from your stored body fat. Even a loss of 5% of your body weight can improve your T2D outlook, and reduce the risks associated with obesity. Plus, once you start burning that fat, you’ll be encouraged by what you gain, and you’ll want to keep going!
Improved Insulin Reaction
When you’re consuming less carbs and sugars, your intake of glucose slows down. That means that your body doesn’t produce as much insulin. Once your levels of insulin are able to normalize, you may find that you experience less insulin resistance. This sets up a kind of cycle of weight loss, where your loss of body weight improves your insulin sensitivity, which, in turn, makes it easier for you to lose weight.
Improvement in HDL Cholesterol Levels
Provided that your fat is coming from clean sources and that you’re not overdoing it on bacon (yes, you can overdo it on bacon, especially if you’re trying to lose weight rather than maintain), then your bad cholesterol levels should decrease, and your good cholesterol levels should increase. Make sure that your fats are coming from plant sources or from MCT oil (US | Canada) for the best results in your cholesterol levels! MCT oil is a supplement made from unsaturated fats that have some potential health benefits, among which is the lowering of blood sugar level. Several studies have found that MCT oil is helpful in stimulating weight loss and even preventing obesity.
The ketogenic diet can help in the management of type 2 diabetes; spend some time researching the diet, and speak with your doctor or nutritionist to see if it might be beneficial to you. Once you get started, be sure to join my Intentionally Bare Facebook group for support and help!
You got this!
Leta
~ Intentionally Bare
❗️Health information given here is based on public research and is not meant to take the place of your doctor's advice. Always do your own research and discuss it with your health practitioner before trying a new diet, supplement or exercise plan ☺
❗️ DISCLOSURE: I manufacture a line of 100% natural keto products under the brand name, Intentionally Bare. These products will be mentioned from time to time because they are amazingly healthy and fantastic for keto and our health. I am also a participant in the Amazon services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.** I will ONLY ever post a link to something I USE and LOVE! I am 100% transparent and will only share the products I personally use.
