Customised Keto Diet for Diabetics and its Benefits
Diabetes Type 2 is a condition that affects blood sugar control. A healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight can help a person manage the condition.
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, very low-carbohydrate diet that aids in blood sugar support for those who are diabetic. Everyone has different dietary requirements. As such, it is important to understand the customised keto diet for diabetics and its benefits.
Doctors and dietitians now tailor diet plans to each patient’s specific eating habits, preferences, and target weight or blood sugar level. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, rice, pasta, milk, and fruits are the primary fuel source for many bodily processes.
Insulin is used by the body to help transport glucose from the blood into cells for energy. In a diabetic person, however, insulin is either absent or does not function properly. This impairs the body’s ability to use carbohydrates effectively, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
A high-carbohydrate meal can cause a spike in blood glucose, especially in people with diabetes. Both Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes require a healthy diet. The usual keto diet as well as customised diabetes keto diet both follow the same central concept of limiting carbohydrate intake.
Carbohydrates are severely limited on the keto diet for diabetics. It compels the body to burn fat for energy. Ketosis is the process of burning fat for energy. It generates ketones as a fuel source
Diabetics Keto Diet – Effect on Blood Sugar Levels
A ketogenic diet benefits people with type 2 diabetes by allowing the body to keep glucose levels low but healthy. A lower carbohydrate intake in the diet can help to eliminate large blood sugar spikes, reducing the need for insulin.
Ketogenic diets have been shown in studies to be beneficial in controlling HbA1c levels. This refers to the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood attached to haemoglobin over a three-month period.
Diabetics Keto Diet – Effect on Medication
Ketogenic diets aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels. As a result, type 2 diabetics who follow a ketogenic diet are able to reduce their reliance on medication.
However, it is to be noted that those who use the ketogenic diet in conjunction with an insulin regimen can avail dietary benefits through a highly customised meal plan from our experts.
While on medication, it is best to consult our experts who are available 24×7 for any dietary changes, additions or deletions. When taking certain diabetes medications, not getting enough carbohydrates can be difficult and this is where a custom-made keto plan comes into effect.
Diabetics Keto Diet – Effect on Weight
The ketogenic diet encourages the body to burn fat. This is advantageous when attempting to lose weight, and it is advantageous for people whose excess weight has contributed to the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Even minor weight loss through diet and exercise help diabetics with glycemic control, overall well-being, and energy distribution throughout the day.
People who follow a ketogenic diet can see an improvement in blood sugar management and experience noticeable weight loss.
Numerous Benefits of a Diabetics Keto Diet
Ketogenic diet has numerous other benefits such as:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Enhanced insulin sensitivity
- Improvements in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, without increasing Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
- A decrease in insulin
Keto Diet for Diabetics – Meal Inclusions
Ketogenic diets are restrictive, but they can provide adequate nutrition if followed closely and nutrient needs are met. The idea is to avoid carbohydrate-rich foods that cause insulin levels to rise. Carbohydrate intake on a keto diet typically ranges from 20-50 grams per day.
To follow the keto diet, people should try to develop a diet plan in which carbohydrates account for 10% of the calories, protein accounts for 20%, and fat accounts for 70%. However, there are various versions of the diet, and the proportions vary according to the type. One should avoid processed foods in favour of whole foods.
A ketogenic diet should include the following foods:
- Low-Carb Vegetables: It’s a good idea to eat non-starchy vegetables at every meal. Avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn.
- Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and are low in carbohydrates.
- Meats: Fatty meats are acceptable, but should be consumed in moderation in order to maintain heart health. Also, avoid consuming too much protein. Combining a high protein content with a low carbohydrate content may cause the liver to convert the protein into glucose. This on the contrary would cause blood sugar levels to rise.
- Nuts and Seeds: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of healthy fat. Although the diet is mostly fat, it is important to prioritise healthy fats over less healthy options like bacon, sausage, red meat, and fried cheeses.
- Fish: Fish is an excellent source of protein as well.
- Berries: Berries are high in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are safe to eat on the keto diet in moderation.
While the keto diet has many potential benefits for diabetes management, sticking to it requires a significant time commitment and self-discipline. So, before you leap on one, take some time and consult with our professional keto experts. Understand the overall benefits and that of a customised keto diet for diabetics before we start the life-saving journey together!
Check out a specially Customised Keto Diabetic Meal Plan by simply clicking below to get a plan that truly fits your dietary requirements.