Is A Low Carb Diet Suitable For Diabetes Sufferers?Almost 80 percent of diabetics in America are overweight or obese and this compounds health risks such as heart conditions and stokes. The question is whether a low carb diet for diabetes can offer a solution to this situation? One particular study carried out on a group of obese patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that the atkins diet might be a particularly good low carb diet for diabetes. The objectives of the study were to determine how rapid weight loss affected weight, appetite and blood sugar levels in obese diabetics. As the treatment for diabetes concentrates on monitoring blood sugar levels, diet and medication, a loss of body weight can often reduce the need for medication. The Atkins diet was chosen as the low carb diet for the diabetes study. Lead researcher, Guenther Boden, M.D. found that: "When we took away the carbohydrates, the patients spontaneously reduced their daily energy consumption by 1,000 calories a day. Although they could have, they did not compensate by eating more proteins and fats and they weren't bored with the food choices. In fact, they loved the diet. The carbohydrates were clearly stimulating their excessive appetites" As well as reducing calorie intake and body weight, the trial subjects also found they had much improved glucose levels and insulin sensitivity as well as lower cholesterol levels. However, this trial was conducted over a very short period of only two weeks. The longer-term effects of this diet on diabetics are not known. If you suffer from diabetes and are considering altering your diet it's important that you seek the advice of your physician or a health professional. Next article >> |
||