All You Need To Know About Normal 2-Hour Postprandial Blood Sugar
October 20, 2022
Does Weight Management Really Have Any Impact on PPS & How Significant Is It?
October 20, 2022
Special, customised diets to successfully manage postprandial blood sugar levels focus primarily on weight loss; hence, it may seem weird that a high-fat diet is a viable option. The ketogenic or ‘keto’ diet, which is high in fat content and low in carbohydrates, can significantly alter the way your body eventually stores and uses energy, thereby easing symptoms of diabetes.
By switching to a keto diet, your body successfully converts fat (rather than sugar) into energy. The keto diet had its inception in the 1920s as a potential treatment for epilepsy. That said, the effects of this specific eating pattern are being presently studied on those with type 2 diabetes.
A keto diet may lead to improvement into PPS (postprandial sugar) levels, while simultaneously reducing the dependence on insulin. However, the diet poses certain risks. Make it a point to discuss it with your physician or doctor before making major dietary changes, such as opting for a keto diet.
Understanding the Concept of ‘High Fat’ in Keto Diets
A substantial number of individuals with type 2 diabetes are overweight; hence, a diet rich in fats may seem unhelpful.
The primary goal of the keto diet is to prepare the body to use fat for energy rather than carbohydrates (glucose). When on a keto diet, you obtain most of your energy from fat, with minimal content from carbs.
This does not mean that you must consume saturated fats. On the other hand, fats that are healthy for the heart play a pivotal role in sustenance of overall health. Some of the most common food items that are an integral part of the keto diet include eggs, avocados, salmon, olive oil, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, and nut butters, to name a few.
Effects on Postprandial Blood Sugar
Keto diets have the potential to successfully decrease postprandial blood sugar levels. Managing the intake of carbohydrates is obviously recommended for those with type 2 diabetes because carbohydrates convert into sugar (or glucose) and, in high quantities, can lead to blood sugar spikes.
That said, the process of counting carbs must be determined individually with the help and assistance of your doctor.
If your postprandial blood glucose levels are already high, then consumption of too many carbohydrates can be extremely dangerous.
Thus, by switching the primary focus to fats, some individuals with diabetes have experienced a fall in their blood sugar levels.
Potential Side Effects
Changing the primary energy source in your body from carbs to fat causes an increase in the number of ketones in your blood. This ‘dietary ketosis’ should not be confused with ketoacidosis, which is a severe complication that can arise in those with diabetes.
When your blood has too many ketones, you could be at an increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA, which is highly prevalent in those with type 1 diabetes when blood sugar levels are extremely high. DKA can also be the fallout of a lack of sufficient insulin.
Although quite rare, DKA can manifest in those with type 2 diabetes if the ketone levels are extremely high. Being ill while simultaneously consuming a low-carb diet could also increase the risk of you developing DKA.
If you are on a keto diet, make it a point to test your blood glucose levels at various intervals in the day to ensure that they are within the target range. In addition, you must consider testing for ketone levels in your blood to ensure that you are not at risk for DKA.
Monitoring Your Diabetes When on a Keto Diet
A keto diet seems quite straightforward. In contrast to a typical low-calorie diet, a high-fat keto diet needs careful monitoring.
Your doctor will seek to monitor both blood sugar and ketone levels to ensure that your diet is not causing any untoward side effects. After your body has adjusted to the diet, you should still continue to consult your doctor once or twice a month for testing as well as adjustments of medications.
Even if symptoms are not profound, it is still crucial to ensure a postprandial blood sugar normal range. When it comes to type 2 diabetes, the frequency of testing varies. Consult your doctor and determine the most optimum testing schedule for your condition.
What Does Research Suggest?
In the year 2008, researchers conducted a study that lasted 24 weeks to determine the precise effects of a low-carb diet on those with type 2 diabetes as well as obesity.
Towards the end of the study, participants who abided by the ketogenic diet saw significant improvements in glycaemic control and reduction in medications in comparison with those who consumed a low-glycaemic diet.
A 2013 review suggested that a keto diet can lead to immense improvements in blood glucose control, A1c, and weight loss in comparison with other diets.
A 2017 study, too, found that a keto diet successfully outperformed a conventional, low-fat diabetes diet over a period of 32 weeks with regards to weight loss and A1c.
To Sum It Up:
The keto diet may offer a glimmer of hope to those with type 2 diabetes who find it extremely difficult to control their blood sugar levels. Individuals not only feel better with fewer symptoms, but also exhibit decreased dependence on medications.
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