Managing Diabetes with a Keto Diet – What You Need to Know

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on July 9, 2018

WHAT IS DIABETES IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Diabetes is a disease which can occur when your blood sugar level is too high. Your body uses sugar as its primary source of energy, and for most diets that comes in the form of carbs. Your blood sugar (again source of energy) needs a way to be transported throughout your body. This is where insulin comes in, which is created in your pancreas. If you are not able to produce your own insulin then your blood sugar does not get distributed and you end up with high blood sugar and are diagnosed with diabetes.

TYPE 1 and TYPE 2 DIABETES

There are two types of diabetes. People with Type 1 must take insulin everyday; people with Type 2 can still produce some of their own insulin and can usually make modifications to lifestyle and diet to reduce the high blood sugar that occurs. This is where the Keto Diet can be helpful.

THE KETOGENIC DIET AND TYPE 2 DIABETES

The Ketogenic Diet is a low-carb diet, consisting initially of less than 20 carbohydrates per day. Not per meal—per day.

Your body uses the carbohydrates you eat for energy, so if we restrict how many carbohydrates we eat, the body must get its fuel source from fat. A by-product of this fat-burning state are ketones which are produced; this is called nutritional ketosis. You can determine if you are in this fat-burning state by purchasing urine ketone testing strips from your local pharmacy.

Some precautions must be made clear; this diet is not appropriate for people with any stage of kidney disease. This diet is not for people who are pregnant, nursing or who have Gestational Diabetes.

WHAT TO EAT AND WHAT NOT TO EAT IN A KETOGENIC DIET

There are some “rules” that can help remind you what you can and cannot eat. If it’s white, it might not be included in your new diet. No more potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, cake, pies or sweets. Another good reminder is to avoid GPS (Grains, Potatoes, Sugars).

You can eat any meat (without coating on it, like fried chicken), fish or poultry, soft, full fat cheese, eggs, salad (no starch vegetables), olives, half of an avocado, butter, oils, and certain sugar-free foods and drinks.

Dr. Della Parker treats all types of conditions, but has a special interest in digestive problems, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction. This year, make your health a priority. Learn about our Integrative Nutrition Counseling, Nutrition Response Testing, Injection Therapies, and other services. Contact Dr. Della Parker, Integrative Nutritionist Amy Hardesty or Massage Therapist Yvonne Schroeder for an appointment today or call 503-344-6631.