What is a ketogenic diet, and what precautions matter with diabetes?
A ketogenic diet greatly restricts carbohydrate and uses a high fat intake to increase ketone production. Specialist-supervised versions treat some cases of drug-resistant epilepsy, but it is not a universal recommendation for diabetes or weight loss.
Details
Therapeutic keto needs a team
Epilepsy diets are designed by medical and dietetic teams, with attention to nutritional needs, growth and medicine formulations. A child’s treatment plan is not equivalent to online keto recipes. Epilepsy medicines should not be stopped when the diet begins.
Special caution with diabetes
Very low carbohydrate intake can increase ketoacidosis risk with some diabetes medicines, particularly SGLT2 inhibitors. Other medicines may need review to prevent low blood glucose. Do not reduce or stop insulin yourself.
Ketones do not always mean success
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition, different from intended dietary ketosis. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or unusual breathing in someone with diabetes requires urgent assessment. With certain medicines, glucose may not be extremely high. Discuss sustainable dietary alternatives and medicine safety with your care team.
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