A Low-carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet to Treat Type 2 Diabetes

In a study of overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes, the LCKD (low carbohydrate ketogenic diet) improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes such that diabetes medications were discontinued or reduced in most participants. Other results include: mean body weight decreased by 6.6% and fasting serum triglyceride decreased 42%.

A Pilot Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The study focused on overweight individuals with BMI >25 and being treated with OHA (oral hypoglycemic agents) or insulin that were placed on a LCKD (low carbohydrate ketogenic diet) for 16 weeks. Anthropometric changes include: Body weight = -10%, BMI = -10%, Waist circumference = -7%, Body fat % = -3%, Systolic BP = -9%, Diastolic BP = -15%, Heart Rate = -12%, HDL = no change.

A Review of Low-carbohydrate Ketogenic Diets

In response to the emerging epidemic of obesity in the United States, a renewal of interest in alternative diets has occurred, especially in diets that limit carbohydrate intake. Recent research has demonstrated that low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets can lead to weight loss and favorable changes in serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This review summarizes the physiology and recent clinical studies regarding this type of diet.

Comparison of Seizure Reduction and Serum Fatty Acid Levels After Receiving the Ketogenic and Modified Atkins Diet

Authors compared retrospectively the KD and modified Atkins diet in 27 children and also assessed serum long chain fatty acid profiles. We observed a preventive effect of both diets on the occurrence of status epilepticus. After 1 and 3 months of either diet, responders experienced a significant decrease in serum arachidonic acid concentration compared to non-responders. The KD and modified Atkins diet led to seizure reduction in this small pilot series, with slightly better results after 3 months with the KD, but not after 6 months.

Ketogenic diet does not affect strength performance in elite artistic gymnasts

Data suggest that athletes who underwent a VLCKD with adequate protein intake lost weight and improved body composition without any negative changes in strength and power performance. Taken together these results suggest that a properly monitored and programmed ketogenic diet could be a useful, and safe, method to allow the athletes to reach their desired weight categories.