The Pros and Cons of the Ketogenic Diet for Diabetics

The ketogenic diet is famous for its high fat and very low carbs. It’s getting attention for possibly helping with managing type 2 diabetes. Some studies show lower blood sugar, better insulin resistance, and weight loss. However, the American Diabetes Association doesn’t pick one diet as the best¹. Instead, they say a personalized diet plan is key, based on what each person likes to eat and their health goals.

This diet cuts carbohydrates down a lot, usually to 20-50 grams a day for a 2,000-calorie diet². This makes the body use fats for energy in ketosis. A usual keto diet might have 10% of calories from carbs, 20% from protein, and 70% from fat². It’s good for quick weight loss, especially for those with insulin issues or a BMI over 30¹. But, it can be hard to stick to for a long time because of its strict rules.

Thinking about trying the keto diet? Watch out for the “keto flu.” You might feel tired, have a headache, feel dizzy, or have tummy problems³. There can also be some serious effects, like kidney stones, lacking nutrients, and liver issues, all of which you might not see coming². Doctors say we need more solid info before saying the keto diet is a go-to for managing type 2 diabetes².

Key Takeaways

The keto diet might lower blood sugar and boost insulin in people with type 2 diabetes.
It really cuts down on carbs, to about 20-50 grams a day for a 2,000-calorie diet.
This diet can help you lose weight fast, especially if you have insulin issues or a high BMI.
But, it’s tough to follow over a long period.
There are some major risks and side effects to be aware of, like lacking key nutrients or having low blood sugar.

Understanding the Ketogenic Diet and Its Impact on Diabetes Management

The ketogenic diet is known as the “keto diet.” It’s a high-fat, low-carb way of eating. This diet has become popular for possibly helping those with diabetes manage their condition. It focuses on reducing carbs and boosting fats and proteins. This shift aims to kick the body into a state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the body uses fat for energy instead of carbs.

What Is the Ketogenic Diet?

The main idea of the keto diet is to cut down on foods high in carbs. These foods can quickly raise blood sugar and insulin. A typical keto meal plan includes around 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs. But, the exact amounts can change depending on the specific plan⁴. To follow this plan, people eat things like low-carb veggies, healthy fats (think avocados and nuts), and good proteins like eggs and fish. They avoid carb-heavy foods such as grains, legumes, and many fruits.

How the Keto Diet Affects Blood Sugar Levels

By eating fewer carbs, the body starts to use fat for energy. This can lower blood sugar levels and make the body respond better to insulin. Research shows the keto diet can really help manage blood sugar. For example, fasting blood sugar levels went from 10.481 mmol/L to 4.874 mmol/L in some studies⁵. It’s also been linked to lower HbA1c levels, showing better long-term blood sugar control. In one study, obese people with diabetes saw their HbA1c go down by 16%⁵.

The reason the keto diet helps with blood sugar is twofold. It cuts down on how much blood sugar spikes after meals. Also, the high fat keeps people feeling full, which can lead to eating fewer calories. This can help with weight loss and improve how the body uses insulin⁴. The keto diet is also good for the heart. It lowers triglycerides in the blood and can improve cholesterol levels. This includes more ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL)⁵.

Because it can help people manage blood sugar and weight, many have been able to lower or stop taking their diabetes medicines while on the keto diet⁵. Still, it’s important to work with a medical professional when starting the keto diet, especially if you have diabetes.

Potential Benefits of the Keto Diet for Diabetics

The ketogenic diet is showing potential in managing Type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest it helps with blood sugar levels and weight control. A 2018 study in JAMA noted interest in this diet for its benefits in both weight loss and managing Type 2 diabetes⁶.

Improved Glycemic Control

The keto diet could improve how well diabetics control their blood sugar levels. It works by cutting down on carbs, which reduces sugar spikes. A 2008 study by Westman E.C. and team found that a low-carb, keto diet did better than a low-glycemic diet for Type 2 diabetes⁶. This approach could help improve HbA1c levels over three months.

Weight Loss and Its Impact on Diabetes Management

Additionally, the keto diet can help with weight loss. This is great news for those at risk of or with Type 2 diabetes due to obesity. The NCHS reported a rise in overweight and obesity in the U.S. from the 1960s through 2018⁶. Losing even a little weight through diet and exercise can help control blood sugar and improve health.

Reduced Dependency on Anti-Diabetic Medication

For those with Type 2 diabetes, the ketogenic diet might mean needing less medication. It boosts insulin sensitivity and can lower blood sugar. A study showed a caring model for Type 2 diabetes that included the keto diet had good effects on blood sugar after a year⁶. This diet might help diabetics rely less on medication and still keep their blood sugar in check.

However, before trying the keto diet, it’s important to talk to a doctor. A 2018 publication by Miller V.J. et al. discussed the diet’s effects on mitochondria and health⁶. A personalized plan that considers your specific health and goals is key to managing diabetes with lifestyle changes.

Risks and Drawbacks of the Keto Diet for Diabetics

The keto diet could help diabetics, but it’s important to know its risks and drawbacks. It needs you to cut down on carbs, only eating 20-50 grams a day for a 2,000-calorie diet². This strict diet is hard to stay with for a long time. Some studies show over half the people quit this diet to manage type 2 diabetes².

In the beginning, you might have the “keto flu.” This feels like being tired, sick to your stomach, and not thinking clearly. You might also have tummy problems, like getting constipated or having diarrhea². These issues can make it tough for some diabetics to stick to the keto diet.

Sticking to the keto diet for a long time can lead to problems like lacking certain nutrients, bad cholesterol, fatty liver, and more chances of low blood sugar². People on insulin should be especially cautious as they might get low blood sugar (1.

Although the keto diet can help with blood sugar and weight in the short run, it might not be the best for the long haul. Diabetics and their doctors should think twice about it.

In a study, the keto diet wasn’t any better than a Mediterranean diet for people with type 2 diabetes over 12 months². This means other diets could get similar results without being as hard to follow and without the same dangers.

Potential Benefits	Risks and Drawbacks
Improved glycemic control	Difficult to sustain long-term
Weight loss	Short-term side effects (keto flu, GI issues)
Reduced need for anti-diabetic medication	Long-term complications (nutrient deficiencies, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease)
Reduced waist circumference	Increased risk of hypoglycemia with insulin use

Deciding to try the keto diet means talking to a doctor first. They can look at your needs and the risks and benefits. While it might help some diabetics, it’s not the only choice. There are other diets that can do the same without the tough rules and risks.

Short-Term Side Effects of the Keto Diet

Starting a ketogenic diet means your body will change the way it gets energy. This shift can cause short-term effects, known as the “keto flu.” These effects might bother you at first but usually go away after a few days up to a few weeks².

Keto Flu Symptoms

When you begin the keto diet, you might feel not so good. This can show up as feeling sick, getting headaches, being easily upset, struggling to sleep, and having trouble thinking clearly. Yet, these feelings go away after a bit. They just show that your body is getting used to less carbs, usually less than 50 grams a day for a 2,000-calorie diet².

Gastrointestinal Issues

Changing to the keto diet might also upset your stomach for a short while. Your gut might react with constipation or diarrhea as it adapts to new nutrients. These tummy problems stem from eating more or less fiber suddenly. But you can feel better by drinking plenty of water and eating low-carb, high-fiber vegetables.

Fatigue and Weakness

While switching to the keto diet, you might feel tired and weak. This happens as your body learns to use fat for energy instead of carbs. You might not have as much physical or mental energy at first. It’s important to rest as your body goes through this change phase.

Short-Term Side Effect	Symptoms	Duration
Keto Flu	Nausea, headaches, irritability, difficulty sleeping, mental fogginess	A few days to a few weeks
Gastrointestinal Issues	Constipation, diarrhea	Varies; can be managed with hydration and fiber intake
Fatigue and Weakness	Low energy levels, difficulty with physical activity	Improves as the body adapts to using fat for fuel

These challenges at the beginning of the keto diet are tough but not impossible to overcome. They get better as your body adjusts. However, if the difficulties are severe or don’t go away, talking to a doctor is a good idea. They can help make sure if the keto diet is right for you and check for other health issues.

Long-Term Complications Associated with the Keto Diet

The keto diet might help diabetics in the short run. But, it’s important to look at the risks it brings long-term. You could face problems such as nutrient shortages, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and heart disease if you follow this diet. Be cautious as you try to manage diabetes with the keto plan.

Increased Risk of Nutrient Deficiencies

Following the keto diet long-term raises the chance of not getting enough nutrients. By cutting out carb-heavy foods like fruits and grains, you might miss key vitamins and minerals. This lack can cause a shortage in nutrients our bodies need, like vitamin C and calcium.

Some studies on mice show different results compared to those on humans. This suggests we should be careful when using animal research for our health decisions⁷.

Potential for Dyslipidemia and Fatty Liver Disease

One risk from the keto diet long-term is dyslipidemia. This means there could be too much bad fat in your blood because of the high fat intake. Over time, it could lead to fatty liver disease, where your liver has too much fat.

Looking into using ketogenic diets for health benefits is active. But, we need to watch how these diets affect our liver and blood fats over a long period⁷.

Complication	Potential Risk
Nutrient Deficiencies	Inadequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Dyslipidemia	Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
Fatty Liver Disease	Accumulation of fat in the liver
Cardiovascular Disease	Increased risk due to potential buildup of fats in the arteries

The effect of the keto diet on heart health is still unclear. It’s debated if the high fat in the diet might raise heart disease risks. More study is necessary to see the full effects of the keto diet on diabetics’ heart health.

Sometimes, the high ketones from the keto diet can be harmful. They might increase oxidation and reduce glutathione in our bodies. These effects could be dangerous over a long time⁸.

Thinking about the keto diet for diabetes? Consider the risks along with the benefits. Talk to your doctor about checking your nutrition, blood fats, and liver. Make sure to adjust your diet as needed to stay healthy.

The Difference Between Ketosis and Ketoacidosis

It’s key to know the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis, especially on a keto diet. Ketosis is a safe, natural process. It happens when your body turns to fat for energy instead of carbs, making ketones. You get here by managing your diet, keeping carbs low, and fats high. But ketoacidosis is a dangerous issue for people with diabetes. It occurs when ketone levels in the blood get too high, making the blood too acidic.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is quite a concern, with a rate of 61.6 cases for every 10,000 hospital stays⁹. It’s seen more in males, kids from 1 to 17 years, and Black people than others⁹. DKA isn’t often deadly in richer countries but certain things, like being older or having other illnesses, can make it more risky⁹. For kids, things like brain injuries or swelling in the brain can start DKA⁹.

To keep away from ketoacidosis, you must watch your blood sugar and check for ketones when your sugar is over 240 mg/dL⁹. You can use devices like the Nova Max Plus or Abbott Precision Xtra to check your ketones⁹. Quick treatment can start making things better in about a day⁹. After DKA, talking over your diet and insulin with a doctor is wise⁹. Keeping a health log can also help spot DKA early⁹.

Ketosis	Ketoacidosis
Natural metabolic state	Serious complication of diabetes
Achieved through low-carb, high-fat diet	Occurs due to insufficient insulin
Generally safe when managed properly	Can lead to coma or death if untreated
Mild to moderate ketone levels	Dangerously high ketone levels

Look out for symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and belly pain if you’re worried about ketoacidosis. If you feel this way, get help fast. For more details on the differences between ketosis and ketoacidosis, check out Healthline’s guide.

By understanding these different body states and being cautious, you can enjoy the benefits of a keto diet while avoiding dangerous problems like ketoacidosis.

Challenges in Adhering to the Keto Diet Long-Term

The ketogenic diet is known for helping with type 2 diabetes¹⁰. It has shown to control blood sugar well. But staying with this diet for a long time can be tough. Why? Because it severely limits carbs and cuts out some food groups. This makes some people feel like they’re missing out. And that can lead to giving up on the diet.

Restrictive Nature of the Diet

This diet is all about how much fat, protein, and carbs you eat. It says to eat mostly fat, then protein, and the least amount of carbs. Keeping up with this can be hard. It might even cause you to miss out on some nutrients. This is harder for people who like a lot of different foods. But, studies show that sticking to diets can help with losing weight better¹⁰.

Difficulty in Maintaining Social Interactions and Eating Out

The keto diet can change how you eat with others and when you go out. Many foods just don’t fit the diet’s plan. This can make you feel left out. Plus, it’s harder to stick to the diet when everyone else is eating differently. Pushing through this means making big lifestyle changes. It also means sticking with eating differently, no matter where you are.

Making the keto diet work means doing a few things. First, look for different foods that still fit the diet. Second, get support from your doctor, family, and friends. Having people back you up makes a big difference. By doing these things, the diet might be easier to keep doing. And you might see better results for your diabetes.

Keto Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Diabetics

Diabetics already have a higher risk of getting heart disease. Some worry that the keto diet, with its high fat, might increase this risk more. The GBD 2019 Study shows that heart diseases greatly affect global health¹¹. Some scientists think the extra fats from the keto diet could add to the fats in the arteries, which would raise the risk of heart problems.

Studies on the keto diet’s effect on the heart conflict. Some find it helps by boosting good cholesterol and lowering fats in the blood, while others say it could raise the bad cholesterol. A big review looked at how the bad cholesterol might link to death and heart issues, but it showed we still need to study more¹¹.

Recent studies have focused on how fats and cholesterol are tied to heart diseases and how to manage them. They’ve also looked at how bad cholesterol relates to sudden heart attacks in diabetics¹¹. This suggests it’s key to understand the risks of the keto diet for people with diabetes.

It is very important to look at the keto diet’s effects on heart health over the long run in diabetics. The 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease gives great advice on how to lower heart risk for these people¹¹. Yet, we still need more studies to see both the good and bad sides of the keto diet for diabetics.

Cardiovascular Risk Factor	Potential Impact of Keto Diet
HDL Cholesterol	May improve
Triglycerides	May improve
LDL Cholesterol	Potential adverse effects

In short, the keto diet could help diabetics, but its effects on heart health must be carefully considered. Talking to a doctor and keeping an eye on cholesterol and other heart risks is very important for keto dieters with diabetes.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Guiding Diabetics on the Keto Diet

The ketogenic diet is becoming more popular among those with diabetes. Healthcare workers are key in giving advice and backing up patients. This diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. It can help with managing diabetes by improving sugar levels, helping with weight loss, and needing less medication¹².

When guiding patients with diabetes, it’s important to consider their overall health and what medicines they take. Also, their personal likes and dislikes should be taken into account. This personal approach is critical for success¹³.

Importance of Individualized Approach

The keto diet is not for everyone with diabetes. Some research shows it can help control sugar better, lower A1c levels, and aid in losing weight. Yet, the ADA suggests that any diet plan, including keto, needs to be suited to the individual’s health and treatment needs¹². By keeping the patient’s health, medication, and preferences in mind, it’s easier to see if keto is right for them⁴.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels and Medication Adjustments

For anyone with diabetes starting the keto diet, checking blood sugar often is a must. Since carbs are cut a lot, sugar control can change quickly. This could cause low blood sugar if medications aren’t tweaked⁴. Health professionals, especially those handling insulin, might need to adjust medication doses. Working closely with the patient, their doctor, and a dietitian is crucial for a smooth switch to keto¹³.

Role of Healthcare Professionals	Key Considerations
Assess individual suitability for keto diet	Overall health status, medication regimen, personal preferences
Monitor blood sugar levels closely	Adjust medications as needed to prevent hypoglycemia
Collaborate with registered dietitians	Ensure safe and effective implementation of keto diet
Provide ongoing support and guidance	Help patients maintain long-term adherence to the diet

For healthcare professionals, a personalized approach and regular monitoring are essential. Adjusting medications where needed makes the keto diet safer for diabetics. Ongoing support and teamwork with other healthcare experts can help patients stick with the keto diet. This is important as part of their overall diabetes care plan.

Alternative Low-Carb Diets for Diabetes Management

The ketogenic diet is popular for helping manage diabetes. However, it’s not the only option. There are other low-carb diets that could work well for people over time. These diets focus on eating foods full of nutrients but low in carbs. This can provide a more balanced way to deal with diabetes.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet centers on whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It’s proven to help with blood sugar and reduce heart risks for those with diabetes. The Mediterranean diet is about choosing natural, unprocessed foods. It offers a lasting and enjoyable way to adjust your diet for diabetes.

The DASH Diet

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is also good for diabetes control. It highlights fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. This diet avoids added sugars and unhealthy fats. Studies show the DASH diet can improve blood sugar and lower diabetes complications¹⁴. It helps by focusing on healthy foods and keeping carb intake in check.

Remember, getting a personalized meal plan for diabetes is crucial since not all diets suit everyone¹⁴. With the help of a healthcare team and a dietitian, you can find your best carb level. They can help create an eating plan that fits your lifestyle and tastes¹⁴.

Diet	Key Features	Benefits for Diabetes Management
Mediterranean Diet	Emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats	Improves glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors
DASH Diet	Focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy; limits added sugars and saturated fats	Leads to improved blood sugar control and reduced risk of diabetes complications

The Mediterranean and DASH diets are better for long-term health compared to just the keto diet. They encourage a wide range of healthy foods and keep carbs at a moderate level. By doing this, these diets help with diabetes management and promote well-being overall.

Recent Research on the Effectiveness of the Keto Diet for Diabetics

Recent research looks into how well the ketogenic diet manages type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown mixed results. Some say it improves blood sugar control, helps with weight loss, and lowers the need for diabetes drugs¹⁵. On the other hand, some found these benefits fade after 6-12 months, leading to lower diet sticking to long-term⁴.

A comparison between the keto and Mediterranean diets found both help control blood sugar similarly¹⁵. In the study, both groups lowered their HbA1c levels by 9% on keto and 7% on the Mediterranean. They also lost about the same amount of weight, being 8% and 7% respectively¹⁵. But the study noted that the Mediterranean diet was easier to keep up with than the keto diet¹⁵.

The American Diabetes Association supports using both low-carb diets to help with diabetes¹⁵. They both help reduce unhealthy fats in the blood, but the keto diet did better at this¹⁵. It’s interesting that the levels of bad LDL cholesterol went up with the keto diet but down with the Mediterranean¹⁵.

A 2022 review of studies showed little proof that keto diets work well long-term against type 2 diabetes. There are worries about many people quitting the diet and not enough info on its long-term safety or success⁴.

The Mediterranean diet was better at providing fiber and certain vitamins compared to the keto diet. But, the keto diet did boost vitamin B12 levels¹⁵. When people got their meals delivered, they stuck to the diets well, scoring about 7.5 out of 10. But when they had to do their own meal planning, they were less likely to stick with it¹⁵.

Outcome	Ketogenic Diet	Mediterranean Diet
HbA1c Reduction	9%	7%
Weight Loss	8%	7%
LDL Cholesterol	Increased	Decreased
Triglycerides	Decreased significantly	Decreased
Ease of Following	More challenging	Easier

After three months, people from the study still had better blood sugar levels and were lighter. Many turned more to a Mediterranean diet than keto¹⁵. Even with this, we need more studies to know for sure if the keto diet is really good for those with diabetes over a long time.

Funding for the research came from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Stanford Clinical Translational Science Award, the Stanford Diabetes Research Center, and private donors¹⁵.

Strategies to Reverse Diabetes Through Lifestyle Changes

Changing your diet is key in dealing with diabetes and maybe even turning it around. But it’s not just about eating differently. Adding regular exercise and how you handle stress is vital for better blood sugar control and feeling good overall¹⁶. Things like working out and losing weight help lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Plus, they’re good ways to stop and treat the disease¹⁶.

Incorporating Regular Physical Activity

Including exercise in your life is big in fighting diabetes. Try to get 150 minutes of exercise that makes you breathe harder every week. Do different exercises on different days. You might walk fast, swim, bike, or do any activity you like that gets your heart pumping. Exercising makes your body use glucose better, improving your blood sugar levels¹⁶.

Working out also helps you manage your weight, which is crucial in battling diabetes. Losing extra weight means your body can handle sugar better. For overweight people with type 2 diabetes, focusing on exercise and losing weight has helped put their diabetes into remission¹⁶.

Stress Management Techniques

Dealing with stress is also important in the fight against diabetes. Stress is bad for your blood sugar and how your body reacts to insulin. This makes it harder to control your glucose¹⁶. Finding ways to keep stress low is a big help for managing diabetes overall.

Some ways to manage stress are:

Deep breathing exercises
Meditation
Yoga
Progressive muscle relaxation
Doing things you love

Spend time every day doing these stress relievers. It will help lower stress, and make it easier to turn your diabetes around through your daily choices.

Lifestyle Change	Benefits for Diabetes Reversal
Regular Physical Activity	Improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, and enhances blood sugar control
Stress Management Techniques	Reduces the negative impact of chronic stress on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance

By taking on regular exercise and stress management, along with eating better, you can make real progress in fighting diabetes. Remember, making small, steady changes in your life can have a big, lasting impact on your health and your fight against diabetes.

Conclusion

The ketogenic diet is showing promise in managing type 2 diabetes. Studies show it can help control blood sugar, aid in weight loss, and lessen the need for diabetes meds¹⁶. But, it’s important to look at both sides of the coin when considering this diet for diabetes. Some people see good results. But, it’s very hard to stick with because of its strict rules. This can cause problems in the short and long term¹⁷.

Starting the keto diet should be under a doctor’s advice. Deciding if it’s right for you needs to be thought through carefully. This involves looking at your likes, health, and life habits. You also need to regularly check your blood sugar and maybe adjust your medicines. This keeps you safe and helps the diet work better¹⁶¹⁷.

Up-to-date, studies on keto and diabetes have brought different findings. Some say it helps in the short run, but it might not be the best choice long term. The number of people with diabetes has grown a lot since 1980, mostly type 2. The DiRECT trial did show that losing weight might reverse type 2 diabetes. But keeping it that way means you have to stay very mindful of what you eat and how you live¹⁸. While thinking about the keto diet, it’s wise to talk to your doctor about both good and bad points. Exploring other diets, like the Mediterranean or DASH diets, might show a more steady way to better health.

FAQ

What is the ketogenic diet, and how does it affect blood sugar levels?

The ketogenic diet focuses on eating high fat, moderate protein, and very few carbs. It aims to put the body in a state called ketosis. This approach significantly cuts carb intake, reducing insulin levels and helping control blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes.

What are the potential benefits of the keto diet for people with diabetes?

The keto diet may offer some diabetics improved blood sugar control, weight loss, and less need for diabetes medicine. These pluses can help manage diabetes better, improving life quality.

Are there any risks or drawbacks associated with the keto diet for diabetics?

Short-term, the keto diet might cause the “keto flu,” stomach problems, and tiredness. Over time, it could lead to issues like nutrient shortages, bad lipid levels, and liver issues. The diet’s strict rules can also be hard to keep up with.

What is the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis?

Ketosis is a normal effect of the keto diet, switching the body from carbs to fat for energy. But, in people with uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis can happen. This is dangerous, with very high ketone and acidic blood levels.

Should I be concerned about cardiovascular disease risk if I follow the keto diet as a diabetic?

There are worries the keto diet’s high fats might up heart disease risk for diabetics. Still, research is mixed on this. We need more studies to grasp the keto diet’s effects on heart health.

How can healthcare professionals help guide diabetics interested in trying the keto diet?

Doctors and nurses are critical for crafting a diabetes care plan suited to each individual. They can assess the keto diet’s suitability, track blood sugar, tweak meds, and provide advice on how to follow the diet over time.

Are there any alternative low-carb diets that may be effective for diabetes management?

Yes, besides the keto diet, options like the Mediterranean and DASH diets show promise in controlling blood sugar and reducing heart risks in diabetics. They offer a more balanced way of healthy eating and may be easier to keep up with than the keto diet.

What does recent research say about the effectiveness of the keto diet for diabetics?

Findings on the keto diet’s effectiveness for diabetes have been inconsistent. Some studies point to short-term gains in blood sugar and weight management. However, the diet’s long-term benefits have not been fully proven, with issues like high dropouts and a lack of safety data.

In addition to dietary changes, what lifestyle modifications can help reverse diabetes or improve diabetes management?

Getting regular exercise, like walking, swimming, or biking, can boost your body’s response to insulin, lower blood sugar, and help control weight. Activities that reduce stress, like meditation or yoga, are also good. They help lower stress, which can affect your blood sugar.