17 Feb Press: VeryWellHealth featuring Sarah Currie – Using the Ketogenic Diet to Manage Diabetes Pros, Cons, and Best Practices
Our very own Sarah Currie was featured on VeryWellHealth’s article: Using the Ketogenic Diet to Manage Diabetes
Sarah Currie, MS, RD, personal trainer and registered dietitian says, “There is no doubt that the ketogenic diet works for fat loss. And it is medically safe as long as it’s done right.”
This article from Verywell Health discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of the ketogenic diet for people with diabetes. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that aims to encourage the body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
Potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for diabetics include:
- Improved blood sugar control: The diet may help lower and stabilize blood sugar levels by reducing carbohydrate intake.
- Weight loss: The ketogenic diet can promote weight loss, which can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Lowered insulin resistance: Reduced carbohydrate consumption may decrease insulin resistance, which is a common problem in type 2 diabetes.
However, there are also potential drawbacks:
- Hypoglycemia: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels can lead to hypoglycemia, especially for those on insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications.
- Nutrient deficiencies: The restrictive nature of the diet can lead to a lack of essential nutrients.
- Ketoacidosis: In rare cases, the ketogenic diet may cause ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening for people with diabetes.
The article suggests that anyone with diabetes considering the ketogenic diet should consult with their healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes. The healthcare provider can help determine if the diet is suitable and ensure that blood sugar levels are monitored closely.