Real quick, this is how the keto diet works.
Keto is short for ketogenic, which means that your body produces ketones. Ketones are released when fat cells are broken down to provide energy. The fat loss results in lower weight.
The body usually gets its energy by digesting carbohydrates into glucose (sugar). In most people the presence of glucose in the blood triggers the release of insulin, which enables the cells to use it. As long as there’s insulin present your body doesn’t need the ketones.
Ketosis (the creation of ketones) begins when there’s a lack of insulin. The diet restricts carbohydrates, which cuts down the glucose which means the insulin isn’t released. Instead of glucose, the body relies on protein and fat. Because protein and fat will not raise the blood glucose level, eating them rather than carbs can help manage diabetes.
Some diabetics, like Lele Jaro have had good results from the diet and she recounts the changes in lifestyle she made. She also emphasizes that diabetics should get advice from their health care professional before starting.
The keto diet can be problematic for type 1 diabetics and type 2s who use insulin because it’s possible for extremely low insulin levels to cause ketoacidosis (ketosis simply means the presence of ketones and is not harmful; ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal condition).
More on the keto diet next week.
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