diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in Mexico and around the w..." /> diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in Mexico and around the w..." />
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The low-carb diet and its effects on diabetes
Cares for You

The low-carb diet and its effects on diabetes

By Gretel Morales - 2023-01-24T15:49:07Z
The diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people in Mexico and around the world and has even become one of the leading causes of death in many countries, which is why health experts have taken on the task of analyzing this condition in detail to find new treatments for diabetes. 

Fortunately, a recent study shows excellent results and much hope for all patients, as reducing the consumption of carbohydrates could reverse type 2 diabetes in some patients, so we tell you everything you need to know about this research. 

What is diabetes? 
Diabetes is a chronic condition closely related to the patient's lifestyle and diet. In scientific terms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain that when a person has diabetes, the body “does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces properly. When there is not enough insulin or the cells stop responding to insulin, too much sugar remains in the bloodstream and, over time, this can cause serious health problems.” 

You can also read: Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes with this diet

Low-carbohydrate diet: Does it help reverse diabetes? 
The portal Medical News Today reports that, according to a new scientific study, “a low-carbohydrate diet is effective for achieving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.” So these are incredible news for all those fighting this disease. 

The most important aspect of this research is that it could reverse diabetes in certain patients, as the portal indicates that “more than half of the participants who adopted the low-carbohydrate diet achieved remission of type 2 diabetes, meaning they could eventually stop taking medications.” 

During the study, scientists analyzed information and data from 186 patients to evaluate the effects of a healthier and more balanced diet on type 2 diabetes.   

Experts found that those patients who opted for a low-carbohydrate diet lost about 10 kilograms. They also discovered reductions in blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol

Additionally, the research indicates that more analyses have shown that “77% of patients who adopted a low-carbohydrate diet within the first 12 months after diagnosis achieved remission.” However, in the case of patients who stopped eating carbohydrates between 1.5 and 15 years after diagnosis, only 35% and 20% achieved remission.  

It is worth noting that, so far, health professionals consider this condition a chronic condition for which there is no cure, as it can only be managed through medication, a healthy diet, and exercise. So, although more studies are needed to confirm the results obtained by this group of experts, the news is very positive for the future treatment of this disease.

You can also read: The healthiest foods for people with diabetes

What are carbohydrates? 
You have probably heard a lot about carbohydrates, both good and bad, so we tell you what you need to know about them. According to information published by the portal Medline Plus, carbohydrates are sugar molecules, and after consuming them, the body converts them into glucose, a substance that provides us with a lot of energy, but in excess, it can be harmful. 

The three main groups of carbohydrates are: 
  • Sugars: This category includes the sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and milk, but also the sugar added to junk food, sugary drinks, and all kinds of desserts.  
  • Starches: This type of complex carbohydrate is present in corn, potatoes, peas, bread, cereals, and pasta.  
  • Fiber: You will find complex carbohydrates in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and beans.  
In simple terms, not all carbohydrates are bad, as those called complex carbohydrates provide fiber and other nutrients. Medline Plus experts recommend considering the following: 
  • Opt for whole grains like brown rice and oats. 
  • Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. 
  • Avoid foods with added sugars.  
Now that you know a little more about the different types of carbohydrates, how they affect health, and the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on patients with diabetes, don't hesitate to consult your primary care doctor, who will advise you on whether you can adopt this diet and what you should eat day by day.  

You can also read: The best teas for people with diabetes