insulin use and oral hypoglycemic meds were eliminated in all patients. And all the changes happened safely.
“Although the keto diet will decrease the amount of insulin a person with diabetes will need to either produce or take, it may also be dangerous for those with type 1 diabetes as this diet puts the individual in a state of ketosis (fat burning), says Hughes. “For a person with type 1 diabetes, it may be hard to determine if they are in fat burning ketosis or in life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis. The last thing that we ever want is a delay in identifying or treatment of this condition.”
Most diabetes experts agree with Hughes. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that suggests individuals with type 1 diabetes who follow a very low carbohydrate diet may experience glucose control with low rates of adverse events such as ketoacidosis.
Is the Keto Diet for You?
While the keto diet has many benefits, it is challenging for most people to follow long term. Additionally, based on your medical history the keto diet may do more harm than good. Hughes advises, before starting a Keto diet you speak to your health care provider, certified diabetes educator, or registered dietitian (RD) to make sure the diet is right for you. Click here to find an RD near you who specializes in diabetes and is familiar with the Keto diet.
Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, a convenient guide to help people with diabetes enjoy all the flavors of the world while still following a healthy meal plan. Follow Constance on social media @eatingsoulfully