TYPE 2 DIABETES AND KETO DIET
We all know someone who has a metabolic disorder, Diabetes. But, Have you ever wondered what this metabolic disorder is?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), Type 2 Diabetes contributes to about 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults. Making it the most common form of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, that allows cells to collect glucose from food and convert it into energy. In the case of an individual with Type 2 diabetes, the cells do not use insulin as much as they should. This condition is called Insulin Resistance. The pancreas works extra hard and produces more insulin to make the cells respond to it. Eventually, it gets tired and gives up. This causes the sugar/Glucose levels to build up in the blood leading to High blood sugar levels causing various complications.
WHAT CAUSES TYPE 2 DIABETES
The most prominent causes of this disorder are,
According to research conducted by the National center for biotechnology information (NCBI), the USA Of all the respondents, 86% of patients with type 2 diabetes were obese. Studies also show that upper body fat induces the fat cells to release pro-inflammatory chemicals, which has the ability to make the body less sensitive to the insulin it generates by disrupting the function of insulin-responsive cells. Thus obesity can be a potential cause for Type 2 diabetes
- EATING HABITS
We live in an era where the consumption of fast food and foods high in sugar has drastically increased. These unhealthy eating habits can also contribute to this metabolic disorder. Studies have shown that eating a calorie dense, refined foods, beverages, and Junk foods that contain excessive processed sugars and fats can contribute to Type 2 diabetes.
- POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
PCOS is another factor that triggers this disorder in women. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism states that out of the 8000 respondents women who had PCOS were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than women who didn’t have PCOS.
- GENETIC CAUSES
This disorder may also be induced by genetic factors. Studies show that the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases with the number of affected family members, These genetic components are induced by lifestyle choices.
CONTROLLING DIABETES WITH KETO DIET
Let me begin by explaining what a Keto diet is, Keto diet is a high-fat diet, I can hear you wondering how a High-fat diet is going to help control a metabolic disorder for which obesity is a contributing factor. Keto diet is high in fat and low in carbs, this magical diet works by changing the ability of your body to store and use energy.
This diet was originally formulated in 1924 to treat epilepsy, but this has been proven effective in controlling Type 2 diabetes. The diet recommends consuming 30 g of carbohydrates or below per day and to eat 3-4g of fat for every 1 g of carbohydrates and proteins This diet induces the body to convert fat into energy, instead of sugar. This process of producing ketones by breaking down the fat is called ketosis.
Healthy foods are eaten in a Keto diet
Although the diet should be high in fat, These fats should be heart-healthy fats that don’t harm the body. Some of the foods included in the diet are,
5.Olive and olive oil
These foods are low in carbohydrates and highly nutritious. They assist you in controlling the blood sugar levels of the body.
Although the diet is very effective in managing blood sugar levels, the sudden shift from converting glucose into energy to converting fat into energy may cause a shock in the body and this response is termed as the keto flu. The symptoms include,
These symptoms might prevail for a few weeks, this is your body’s reaction to the sudden change and its struggle to adapt to this change
certain people argue that keto diet is harmful to the body but there is no evidence so far. Before you decide to try this diet or any other diet, it is better to consult a dietician or a doctor to know whether the diet will suit your body and lifestyle. Stay Happy and Healthy.