Yes, There is
While there is no cure for diabetes, there are lifestyle changes you can make that can help lower your medication needs. One of the most effective ways of controlling blood sugar is through a diet rich in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. When you consume fewer carbohydrates, your blood sugar levels will fall and with them your medication requirements. If you are looking for a way to reduce your dependence on medication, a low carb diet can be a great starting point and many people are starting to recognise its many positive effects.
How Does The Ketogenic Diet Work?
The ketogenic diet was first developed more than 100 years ago as a treatment for epilepsy and it remains one of the most effective diets for this use. Its effectiveness in treating epilepsy has made it popular among those wanting to reduce their medication requirements, although the diet is often used as part of a broader lifestyle change program involving additional factors like exercise and medication adjustment. People following a ketogenic diet for diabetes management report significantly lower blood sugar levels and some studies have shown that it can also help to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The ketogenic diet is extremely high in fat and low in carbohydrates and it operates by dramatically reducing the amount of sugar the body uses for energy. The diet inhibits the enzymes responsible for glucose production which forces the body into relying more on fat stores for energy. When you reduce your dependence on glucose, your blood sugar levels will naturally fall and you will require fewer medications to control your condition. The ketogenic diet can help to reduce oxidative stress and damage that can result from chronic high blood sugar levels. It can also help to improve mental health by reducing the inflammation that can result from prolonged exposure to high glucose levels.
What Are The Benefits Of The Ketogenic Diet?
Many people suffering from Type 2 diabetes find that when they follow a ketogenic diet, their condition improves significantly. There is some evidence to suggest that the ketogenic diet may help to improve the clinical indicators for Type 2 diabetes like cholesterol and triglyceride levels, however, the effect is likely to be small. What is more significant is that by following a high fat, low carb diet, you are significantly lowering your medication requirements and may even be able to bring your medication dose down to zero. This is excellent news if you are looking to reduce your medication burden.
The ketogenic diet can give you clearer skin, better mental health and it has the potential to reduce your medication requirements by up to 70%. While there is no ‘quick fix’ for diabetes, following a ketogenic diet represents a ‘small step’ in the right direction and it can give you a clear foundation for further lifestyle changes that can help to control your condition. Many people are starting to see the diet as a viable option for Type 2 diabetes management because of its proven efficacy and minimal side effects.
Are There Any Challenges To Following The Ketogenic Diet?
One of the major challenges in following a ketogenic diet is getting the glucose measurements right. Glucose levels must be kept at a certain level for the body to function properly and if you exceed certain limits, you will experience all kinds of problems. People following a ketogenic diet for diabetes must have continual access to testing equipment and they must be prepared to adjust their diet and medication regime if necessary. It is also important to note that because of the way the diet works, you will need to make sure you are getting the right amounts of all the nutrients and vitamins you need to sustain yourself.
Is The Ketogenic Diet A Good Choice For People Already On Treatment?
People already taking medication for other conditions may find that the ketogenic diet is not the best choice for them. If you are already on treatment for another condition, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting a ketogenic diet plan. Your medication regimen may not be suitable for use with a ketogenic diet and in some cases, you may need to have medication adjusted or have a change implemented to allow for the use of the diet.
Should You Try A Low Carb Diet First?
Since the ketogenic diet relies on fat for energy, it makes sense that you should try a low carbohydrate diet first. Many people who try the diet will experience dramatic improvements in their condition and they will often wonder why they did not do this sooner. If you are looking for a way to reduce your medication intake and try a diet that will improve your condition without necessarily having to change your medication, a low carb diet may be a great choice for you.
There are many different ways of implementing a low carb diet and the most significant aspect is how much you need to cut out. You should aim to reduce your carb intake by at least 80% and there are various tools online to help you track your carbs so you can see how much you are actually taking in.
How Can You Tell If The Ketogenic Diet Is Right For You?
As with most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the ketogenic diet and you must determine for yourself if this is the diet for you. Start by looking at how you are feeling and how your body is reacting to the changes you are making in your diet. If you are feeling better and have more energy, you are probably already starting to see the benefits of the diet. Try out different ways of eating, cutting out and adding foods to see what feels right for you. Remember to listen to your body and you must be prepared to make adjustments as you go along. Some people may also need to take longer to see the benefits of the diet than others because of differences in their personal DNA and how it processes information regarding nutrition. Ultimately, you must find what works best for you and your body so you can feel the best you can throughout the day.