A team of scientists from the University of Michigan recently released a study that could mark a significant advancement in the management of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a very low-carb ketogenic (keto) diet in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
What is Keto?
The ketogenic diet focuses on high-fat, adequate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate foods. This dietary regimen essentially forces the body to burn fats for energy instead of carbohydrates.
Prior studies have suggested that a keto diet could improve cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and even reduce appetite.
The Study
Researchers recruited overweight individuals diagnosed with either type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Participants were divided into two groups: one following an online keto diet program, and the other a conventional diet program based on the American Diabetes Association’s “Create Your Plate” guidelines.
Key Findings
Blood Sugar Control: Participants in the keto group showed a more significant reduction in their HbA1c levels compared to those in the control group.
Over half of the keto group managed to reduce their HbA1c levels to less than 6.5%, which is a strong indicator of well-managed diabetes.
Weight Loss: People on the keto diet lost significantly more weight. A more significant proportion of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight compared to the control group.
Triglyceride Levels: The keto diet group also showed a more substantial decrease in triglyceride levels, a type of fat found in the bloodstream that’s a known risk factor for heart disease.
Program Retention: Interestingly, the dropout rate was lower among participants following the keto diet compared to those in the control group.
Implications
The study suggests that a keto diet, combined with other lifestyle modifications like exercise, sleep, and mindfulness, can be a powerful tool for self-managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, especially when delivered through online platforms.
Some Additional Readings
If you are keen to learn more about managing diabetes, you might want to explore studies about the beneficial effects of pomace olive oil on cholesterol levels, or breakthroughs in diabetes treatments.
Conclusion
The findings make a compelling case for considering the keto diet as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
They also show the potential for online platforms to effectively deliver such lifestyle interventions, enabling more people to take control of their health.
The research was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research and was led by Laura R Saslow and her team.
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