What is a ketogenic diet?
A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has proven efficiency in losing weight and alleviating some medical issues. This type of diet has several health benefits, especially in improving blood sugar control. It helps individuals manage diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and epilepsy.
Given this diet’s effectiveness in maintaining blood sugar levels and reducing insulin demands, studies have shown that it can cause several health complications for people with type 1 diabetes. Read on to learn more.
A keto diet can cause your blood sugar levels to be significantly lower
Following a keto diet can prevent diabetes attacks. It inhibits episodes of high blood sugar, making it effective in controlling the condition. However, for people with type 1 diabetes, the levels of blood sugar can fall too low. When this occurs, you can be diagnosed with hypoglycemia. It can lead to different complications, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, and blurry vision.
A keto diet requires a reduction in insulin supply
Part of diabetes management is taking in enough insulin to control the levels of blood glucose. Short-acting insulin is being used for people living with type 1 diabetes; however, it can vary depending on blood sugar conditions.
When following a keto diet, the carb intake is reduced. It can also mean that the levels of blood sugar are lower than usual. It will also require lower consumption of insulin per day. Note that during your keto diet, it is necessary to adjust your insulin dosing to avoid hypoglycemia. If you still follow your regular insulin dose, severe adverse reactions can happen, including lower blood sugar levels.
A keto diet can cause weight loss
If you are trying to lose some weight, the keto diet is highly recommended for you. However, for people with type 1 diabetes, it can cause unwanted weight loss.
One of the effects of following a keto diet is being able to feel full immediately. It will likely change your eating habit. Besides this outcome, your calorie intake is significantly reduced.
Losing weight is not what people with type 1 diabetes are trying to achieve. I can be unsafe for them, given the condition they are diagnosed with.
Is a keto diet safe for people with type 1 diabetes?
Before starting a Keto diet, some factors need to be considered especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes. If you manage your condition very well, this type of diet is safe for you to follow. However, if you have been experiencing complications related to diabetes, maybe a better option is available for you.
If you are so interested in trying such a diet, ask for approval from your healthcare professional first. Doing so will enable you to receive medical guidance, such as the right diet plan to follow and insulin dosage adjustment. Talk with your healthcare professional if your condition will not put you at risk of developing other diabetes-related complications while following a keto diet.
