"Researchers Find Evidence Keto Diet May Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk" - Kristen Fischer
Though many people claim the keto diet to be a game changer or a lifesaver, a newly released study raises questions about its ability to cause type 2 diabetes. The study, which was conducted on mice, evaluated the keto diet. The Journal of Psychiatry published the research, which said following the diet in its early phases could boost the risk for type 2 diabetes. The study in mice is at odds with some previous research on the benefits of low-carb diets. Previous short-term studies have shown that low-carb diets — including the keto diet — can improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes and lower the amount of medications they need, noted Reshmi Srinath, MD, director of the weight and metabolism management program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. There isn’t much data on long-term effects of low-carb eating. “We also know that limiting carbohydrates to such a degree can be challenging for some patients and there can be a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Srinath said. She recommends carbohydrate moderation, and provides instruction on how people can count and manage carb intake along with the addition of physical activity.
- Reshmi Srinath, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Director, Weight and Metabolism Management Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai