For the past 37 years, Aaron and I have diligently stored food for our family. Following the counsel from our church, at the beginning of our food storage journey the bulk of our stores consisted of whole grains and beans, sugar, salt, oil, and powdered milk. We gradually added in canned fruits and veggies, and some meats in limited quantities due to the cost.
As we contemplated a world in which insulin might become unobtainium, we increased the amount of meat we stored for him. The idea was that if he had to, he would transition to a full keto diet to stretch his supply of insulin as long as possible. It wasn’t an ideal plan, but death due to running out of insulin didn’t sound so viable, either. We also figured that other type-1 diabetics would have to do the same.
And then I came across this article, “Ketogenic Diets and Chronic Disease: Weighing the Benefits Against the Risks.”[1] It never occurred to me that a ketogenic diet might actually be a bad idea. Nor that it would be a particularly bad idea in children with type-1. (And for everyone thinking that you don’t have type-1 people in your group, never fear: this article will also pertain to type-2. And everyone knows at least one person with type-2. And it pertains to women who may have children in the future.)
Studies have shown that a ketogenic diet in pediatric type-1 patients increases the risk of malnutrition and failure to thrive, reduces bone density, and also causes hyperlipidemia, poor sleep, amenorrhea, and hypoglycemia. And behavior and mood can be adversely affected.[2]
While a ketogenic diet helps lower blood glucose levels in type-1 adults just as in children, it also results in more hypoglycemic episodes. And it spurs the development of dyslipidemia in a cohort of people already at increased risk for cardiovascular problems.[3] The elevated ketones caused by such a diet (getting into ketosis as the advocates desire) increase the risk for brain, kidney, liver, and circulatory complications, to same nothing of oxidative stress, inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance.[4]
In type-2 patients, ketogenic diets do have positive effects for the short term. They depress the appetite, promote weight loss, and reduce blood sugars and HbA1c, temporarily. Improved insulin sensitivity is attributed to the loss of fat. The reduction in HbA1c wanes after a few months,[5] as does the blood glucose level reduction.[6] However, other trials showed that diabetes medications can be reduced or entirely eliminated. [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Men following a keto diet had a 37% higher risk of becoming type-2 when compared with those who didn’t adhere to a keto diet.[12]
The most interesting finding is that women who followed low-carb diets prior to conception or during the time surrounding conception increased their risk of birth defects and gestational diabetes. For unplanned pregnancies in particular, there was an 89% increase in the risk of neural tube defects. And it appears that taking folate doesn’t reduce the risk in this situation.[13]
And finally, after adjusting for multiple variables, an observational study revealed that women who consumed the fewest carbohydrates had a 27% higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those who consumed the most.[14]
The keto diets have their believers, and we’ve all come to not “trust the science” to some extent. I’m not here to say the keto diet is bad. It has proven benefits for some, particularly epilepsy patients. I do think it’s important to do our own due diligence in researching what will work before for our health and that of our family members. Sometimes following the crowd isn’t the way to go.
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There just doesn't seem to be any real answers for insulin dependent folks in a shtf situation. I guess that's where faith comes in. Hugs!
ReplyDelete--Melanie
Well, faith is always good. Nevertheless, I also believe that faith without works is dead. And Eva Saxl and her husband made insulin for her and 400 other type-1 diabetics in Shanghai during WWII. If they did it, so can we. If we have the will. Some people won't. For others, giving up is not an option.
DeleteIf they did it, so can we. If we have the will. Some people won't. For others, giving up is not an option.
ReplyDeleteAMEN.
I will die, that's given but I shall not simply lie down and quit.