SHR

Type-2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease in which prolonged and excessive insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia lead to a marked reduction in pancreatic β-cell mass and function. It is well recognized that diet plays a central role in the management of T2D, and particular interest has been given to low-carbohydrate diets given that they may improve glycemic control and blood lipids to a greater extent than low-fat and low-GI diets despite similar effects on weight. A specific type of low-carbohydrate diet that is high in fat and moderate in protein is a ketogenic diet (KD). Although initially used for the treatment of epilepsy, KDs are increasingly being used for weight loss and general health. Indeed, it has been argued that a KD may facilitate weight loss through helping to control hunger and improve fat oxidative metabolism. However, it remains unknown what impact a KD may have in persons with T2D over...

Ketogenic diets (KD) have become a growing interest for weight loss, exercise performance, and health. They are most well-known for their use in the treatment of refractory epilepsy, particularly in children, which dates back to at least the 1920s and is more effective than most epileptic drug treatments. However, there is a concern over and lack of knowledge regarding long-term effects. For instance, a more serious side-effect of KD is growth retardation possibly owed to the very low protein intake, which may resolve via catch-up growth upon diet discontinuation. Given the methodological problems of conducting studies lasting years or decades, it is not that surprising that no research exists regarding long-term effects. However, this knowledge is of clinical importance. Thus, to help further our understanding of the physiologic consequences of KD on systemic health, longevity, and metabolism, Douris et al from the Harvard Medical School compared both the short-term effects of...