Keto most effective diet in short-term blood sugar control: Study

A recent study published in Metabolites highlights that a ketogenic (keto) diet may offer short-term advantages over the Mediterranean diet in managing blood sugar and improving metabolic health in individuals newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, the benefits appear to diminish after six months, making long-term sustainability a challenge.

Study Findings: Keto vs. Mediterranean Diet

Conducted by researchers in Italy and Brazil, the study followed 11 participants aged 45 to 65 with obesity and recent type 2 diabetes diagnoses. These individuals had not yet started medication for their condition. Participants were randomly assigned to either a very low-calorie ketogenic diet or a Mediterranean diet. Over the course of the year-long study:

Keto Diet Benefits:

Significant improvements were observed in blood sugar levels (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and gut microbiota diversity during the first six months.

Mediterranean Diet Benefits:

While improvements in metabolic health were noted, they were less pronounced than those in the keto group during the initial phase.
After two months on the keto diet, participants were gradually transitioned to a Mediterranean diet to mitigate potential safety concerns associated with prolonged keto adherence. By month six, the metabolic advantages of the keto diet began to wane, and by the study's conclusion, both groups exhibited similar health outcomes.

Insights into Metabolic Health

The study revealed that the keto diet increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly the Akkermansia species, known for promoting gut barrier protection and metabolic health. However, these effects were not sustained beyond the six-month mark.

Dr. Jason Ng, an endocrinologist at the University of Pittsburgh, noted that the keto diet could be a useful short-term tool for weight loss and improving insulin resistance in carefully monitored patients. However, he cautioned about its potential risks, including nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney strain, and digestive issues.

Risks and Limitations of the Keto Diet

Experts emphasize the potential adverse effects of a keto diet, especially with long-term use. These include:

• Nutrient deficiencies due to limited vegetable and grain intake.
• Liver and kidney strain from metabolizing high levels of fat and protein.
• Constipation caused by reduced fiber intake.
• Mood swings and cognitive challenges linked to low carbohydrate consumption.

Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, expressed concerns about the keto diet's impact on heart health, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes. She noted that some patients report elevated blood sugar, inflammation, and worsened lipid profiles after following the diet.

Mediterranean Diet: A Safer Long-Term Approach

In contrast, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes balanced nutrition, incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Ng highlighted its effectiveness in improving blood sugar control and weight management, calling it a more sustainable and established option for managing type 2 diabetes.

Routhenstein recommended focusing on nutrient adequacy, meal planning, and balanced eating habits instead of restrictive diets like keto. She stressed the importance of sustainable strategies for long-term health improvement.

Conclusion

While the keto diet may offer a short-term metabolic boost, its long-term viability and safety remain questionable. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the Mediterranean diet presents a safer, more balanced, and sustainable approach to managing blood sugar and improving overall health.