Can the Keto Diet Help with Diabetes Management?

The fast-paced world today has pushed humans on the lap of diabetes. Rapid urbanisation leads to the adoption of fast foods which are filled with poor-quality carbohydrates, processed foods and sugar without proper physical exercise. The expenses of diabetes related healthcare are massive today and it is projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2030. Should people move towards a keto diet to lower diabetes? It is a low carbohydrate diet that aims to promote the metabolism of fats into ketone bodies rather than carbohydrates as the main source of energy. However, this diet should be taken under the supervision of experts because it may also come with potential risk of errors like hypoglycemia where sugar levels of body fall too low below 70 mg/dl. This article explores the benefits of keto diet in managing diabetes and also sheds light on the potential risks that can come along with the diet.


The keto diet reduces carbohydrate intake in body by impacting insulin and glucose levels. It limits carb intake under 50 grams per day which forces the body to use fat in place of carbohydrate for energy and produce ketones. And this shift makes the body to low sugar levels and reduces insulin resistance which is beneficial for people especially who have type 2 diabetes. There are studies that shows that keto diet experienced up to a 1.0% reduction in HbA1c levels which is a key diabetes marker. This diet is also for people who want to reduce their weight and further improve insulin sesitivity.
Before opting for this diet it is key to take medical supervision because it may significantly impact blood sugar. Some people might go through side effects as well, as their body adapts to using fat for fuel. Other leading causes like nutrient deficiencies and high cholesterol can occur if the diet is not balanced with healthy fats. Note that it is not ideal for people with type 1 diabetes, kidney disease and is dangerous for pregnant women.


It is true that the keto diet comes with multiple short term benefits but it needs more research work to fully understand the long term health outcomes. As switching from carbohydrade/glucose to ketones can improve insulin sensitivity but it is not a universal solution. It can be a valuable tool but only with an individualised diabetes management plan.

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Q1. How fast do you lose weight on keto?

Ans: 2 to 10 pounds in first week, according to some people

Q2. Do I need to exercise on keto?

Ans: KD if combined with exercise can efficiently reduce body fat.

Q3. Am I drinking enough water on keto?

Ans: Rule of thumb states a person should divide their body weight in half and drink that many ounces of water daily.