Keto And Diabetics: Dr. Berg's Take On The Diet

Dr. Eric Berg is a strong advocate of the ketogenic diet for diabetics. He argues that a low-carb ketogenic diet combined with intermittent fasting is ideal for people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Berg, this approach can improve blood sugar control, reduce the need for diabetes medications, and even reverse Type 2 diabetes. He emphasizes that diabetics should work closely with their doctors when making dietary changes and adjusting medication dosages.

Intermittent fasting for diabetics

Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular way to lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It involves going without food or caloric drinks for an extended period, anywhere from a few hours to several days.

There are several different types of intermittent fasting diets, including:

• The 16/8 method: fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.
• The 5:2 diet: eating regularly for 5 days and restricting calories to 500-600 on 2 non-consecutive days.
• Alternate-day fasting: alternating between days of normal eating and fasting.
• The eat-stop-eat method: a "24-hour fast" involving not eating for a full day or two non-consecutive days a week.

Intermittent fasting may be a useful tool for managing type 2 diabetes when used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. It can help to regulate blood sugar levels, control the release of glucose into the bloodstream, and improve insulin sensitivity. It can also aid in weight loss, which can help to better control type 2 diabetes.

However, it is important to note that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone with diabetes and can cause hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. It is recommended that individuals consult a doctor or dietitian before starting intermittent fasting to ensure it is right for them and to create a safe and effective plan.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet during non-fasting periods and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Keto and Type 1 diabetes

The ketogenic diet has gained traction in recent years as a strategy for weight loss and the treatment of various diseases. While its benefits for people with type 2 diabetes are well-established, its impact on those with type 1 diabetes is less clear. This is partly due to concerns about inducing ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia in patients who are already at high risk for these complications. However, emerging evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial for individuals with type 1 diabetes, offering improved blood sugar control and a reduced risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition typically diagnosed during childhood, where the pancreas produces little to no insulin, a hormone that facilitates blood sugar absorption into cells. This insulin deficiency can lead to dangerously high blood sugar levels when carbohydrates and sugars are consumed. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin injections or pumps to maintain blood sugar control and prevent serious health complications.

The Benefits of Keto for Type 1 Diabetes

A ketogenic diet is characterised by a significant reduction in carbohydrate intake, with a typical distribution of around 70-80% fat, 15-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. This shift in macronutrient ratios encourages the body to utilise fat as its primary energy source, resulting in a metabolic state known as ketosis. Ketosis offers several advantages for individuals with type 1 diabetes:

• Improved blood sugar control: By limiting carbohydrates, the ketogenic diet helps stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels, minimising spikes and reducing the risk of hyperglycaemia and associated health issues.
• Weight management: The breakdown of fat during ketosis promotes weight loss, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with type 1 diabetes who may struggle with weight management due to insulin resistance or the anabolic effects of insulin.
• Neurological benefits: Ketosis has been linked to improved cognitive health and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
• Reduced medication reliance: The improved blood sugar control associated with the ketogenic diet may decrease the need for diabetes medications, including insulin injections.

Safety Considerations

While the ketogenic diet offers potential benefits for individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is not without risks. The most significant concern is the development of ketoacidosis, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition caused by excessively high ketone levels in the blood. This can occur if insulin dosages are inadequate or missed entirely, especially when combined with carbohydrate consumption. Therefore, careful monitoring of blood sugar and ketone levels is crucial for individuals with type 1 diabetes following a ketogenic diet. Additionally, it is important to prioritise nutrient-dense, whole foods to ensure adequate nutrition and avoid potential deficiencies.

The ketogenic diet can be a valuable tool for managing type 1 diabetes, offering improved blood sugar control, weight management, and potential medication reductions. However, it should be approached with caution, and individuals with type 1 diabetes should work closely with their healthcare team to ensure safe and effective implementation.

Keto and Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body does not effectively use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can result in various health complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems if not managed properly.

The Benefits of Keto for Type 2 Diabetes

The ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, has gained popularity as a potential tool for managing type 2 diabetes. This is because keto can help improve insulin sensitivity and keep blood sugar levels stable, reducing the risk of diabetic complications.

When following a keto diet, the body enters a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This leads to several benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes:

• Improved blood sugar control: By reducing carbohydrate intake, keto helps stabilize blood sugar levels and minimize spikes, which is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes.
• Weight loss: Keto promotes fat burning and can lead to sustainable weight loss, which is often recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• Reduced medication needs: As keto improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, individuals with type 2 diabetes may be able to reduce their reliance on diabetes medications over time.
• Improved metabolic health: Keto has been shown to enhance metabolic health, which can benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes by reducing their risk of developing related health conditions.

Implementing Keto for Type 2 Diabetes

While keto can be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, it is important to approach it cautiously. Here are some key considerations:

• Gradual adjustments: When starting keto, it is important to make gradual changes to your diet. Abruptly reducing carbohydrate intake can lead to adverse effects.
• Medical supervision: Working with a healthcare professional experienced in diabetes management and keto is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness. They can help monitor blood sugar levels, adjust medication dosages, and address any concerns.
• Carbohydrate management: During keto, it is crucial to manage carbohydrate intake to control blood sugar levels effectively. Focus on nutrient-dense, low-glycemic foods, and choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables.
• Intermittent fasting: Combining keto with intermittent fasting can further enhance its benefits for type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting involves eating within a specific window and fasting for the rest, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. However, it should be done under medical supervision, especially for individuals taking diabetes medications, to avoid dangerous side effects such as hypoglycemia.
• Healthy fat choices: When following keto, focus on consuming healthy fats such as organic, grass-fed unprocessed meats, pasture-raised eggs, and wild-caught fish. Avoid processed and genetically modified foods, unhealthy trans fats, and synthetic vitamins.

Ketosis vs ketoacidosis

Ketosis is a natural metabolic state that occurs when the body burns fat to generate energy. It is often achieved through a low-carbohydrate diet or fasting. During ketosis, the body uses fat as its primary energy source instead of relying on sugars and carbohydrates. This shift in energy use leads to elevated levels of ketones in the blood, which serve as an alternative energy source. Ketosis is generally safe and has been linked to various health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and enhanced cognitive functions.

Ketoacidosis, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes, typically Type 1 diabetes. It occurs when there is an extreme lack of insulin, causing a rapid breakdown of fat into ketones, which leads to excessively high levels of ketones in the blood. Ketoacidosis makes the blood too acidic, disrupting the normal functioning of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Unlike ketosis, ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, including insulin therapy and electrolyte replacement.

Key Differences:

While ketosis and ketoacidosis share some similarities, they are distinct metabolic states with critical differences:

• Ketosis is generally safe and beneficial, while ketoacidosis is dangerous and life-threatening.
• Ketosis is often achieved through a well-planned low-carb diet or fasting, whereas ketoacidosis is typically triggered by insufficient insulin levels, especially in combination with carb-rich foods.
• Ketosis is characterised by elevated ketone levels in the blood, but in ketoacidosis, the ketone levels become excessively high, causing the blood to become dangerously acidic.
• Ketosis supports stable blood sugar and insulin levels, whereas ketoacidosis is associated with extremely high blood sugar levels.
• Ketosis is linked to improved metabolic health and weight loss, while ketoacidosis impairs the function of vital organs and can lead to severe complications, including coma and death if left untreated.

Medication and keto

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet that puts your body into fat-burning mode. This diet was initially formulated to treat seizures, drug-resistant epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.

When you break down fat, your liver creates large amounts of ketones, a type of acid that becomes your body's primary energy source. This state is known as ketosis.

Ketosis keeps blood sugar and insulin levels stable, minimising blood sugar spikes. This helps individuals with diabetes achieve consistent glycemic control.

Many medications can interfere with ketosis. Drugs that increase insulin levels or raise blood sugar will affect ketosis. For example, insulin, steroids, statins, and some psychiatric drugs.

Surprisingly, many over-the-counter medications are high in carbs and can quickly push you out of ketosis. Some cough syrups contain more than 20 grams of carbs per dose! Always read labels and ingredient lists to spot added sugars and hidden carbs.

Don't stop or lower your medication without consulting your doctor. As your keto regime improves your health, you may need to lower doses or stop your prescriptions altogether. Work closely with your doctor to adjust your medication as your body adapts to keto.

Frequently asked questions