Scientists have uncovered the ability of the keto diet to restore pancreatic function

Following a ketogenic diet, or a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, gives patients with type 2 diabetes a better chance of disease control than a low-fat diet. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on April 21.

In type 2 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. The ketogenic diet rebuilds the liver's metabolism, forcing the body to burn fat rather than store it. According to scientists, biochemical changes in this diet improve the functioning of beta cells even without significant weight loss.

"We have shown that a three-month ketogenic diet can improve beta cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes, and these improvements were associated with changes in the ratio of proinsulin to C-peptide, a biomarker of pancreatic stress," said Marian Yurchishin, an author of the study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Experts studied the indicators of 51 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 55 to 62 years. The participants were divided into two groups: one followed a ketogenic diet, the other a low—fat diet. Both nutrition programs were designed to maintain a stable weight for patients.

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The study showed that although both groups lost only a small amount of weight, it was the ketogenic diet that significantly reduced the proportion of secreted proinsulin in patients at an early stage of the disease. These changes are directly related to the restoration of pancreatic functions.

"We suggest that a ketogenic diet can reduce the burden on the pancreas and improve the ability of beta cells to produce insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes," Yurchishin concluded.

The researchers emphasize that the ratio of proinsulin to C-peptide reflects the level of stress on cells and usually decreases only after weight loss caused by strict diets, but the ketogenic protocol has shown results due to changes in metabolism.

On September 23 last year, Evgenia Ivanov, an endocrinologist, internist, nutritionist of the highest category of the NCC NCC No. 2 of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "RNC named after Academician B.V. Petrovsky", spoke about the health risks of following a keto diet. The specialist emphasized that such a diet has a positive short-term effect. According to her, long-term risks may include problems with the cardiovascular system, nutritional deficiencies, kidney strain, and temporary side effects during the adjustment period.