• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Diabetes Everyday

Living your best life with diabetes. Toby Smithson provides professional guidance with personal experience.

  • Diabetes EveryDay
  • Work With Toby
    • Toby in the Media
      • Interviews and Articles
    • Toby’s Books
    • Speaking Out About Diabetes
  • Sharing Toby’s Knowledge
    • Understanding Diabetes
    • Eating Healthy
    • Being Physically Active
    • Medications and Monitoring Health
    • Reducing Stress
    • Staying Motivated
    • Diabetes Resources
  • Meet Toby
    • Contact Toby
  • YouTube Channel
  • Newsletter
You are here: Home / Understanding Diabetes / Is the “Keto” Diet OK For Diabetes?

Is the “Keto” Diet OK For Diabetes?

July 20, 2020 By Toby Smithson

The “keto” (ketogenic) diet has been a “thing” for a while now, and its severe restriction to carbohydrates in the diet might suggest it’s a “thing” that could work for diabetes. See what Toby has to say about the “keto” diet.

Welcome to DiabetesEveryDay. I’m Toby. Don’t forget to subscribe. I’ll always give you credible guidance about managing diabetes.

So, the Keto diet is the thing lately, and because it’s a low carb thing and followers tend to show improved glucose control it seems to be a natural fit for diabetes, right? And, you’ll see claims to that effect everywhere ….reverse diabetes!! So, let’s talk about the keto diet.

Be Sure To Check Out – Low-Carb Diets Linked With Type 2 Diabetes

What To Know Biological

To understand this diet you have to start by accepting this biological fact…. Humans are built to get our “fuel” from the glucose we get by eating carbohydrate foods. That can be a frustrating idea for people with diabetes since we have issues keeping glucose in balance, but it is true….glucose from carbohydrates is our preferred and source of energy. Got that?

Ketones? Emergency Backup Fuel?

A good thing is that we have emergency backup systems. When necessary we can use protein or fat to make fuel. This emergency plan is the anti-starvation plan – using stored fat and protein, even protein from muscle, to avoid starvation. When fat is the emergency fuel, our body produces substances called “ketones” to substitute for glucose, and when these ketones become our major source of energy we are in a state called “ketosis.”

Of course, that’s where the word “Keto” comes from…..ketosis. The “keto” diet is forcing your body into the emergency plan that uses fat as the fuel source by strictly limiting carbohydrates and protein in the diet and eating lots of fat.

Emergency plans of any sort tend to have some issues. That’s why emergency plans are never actually the main plan, right? Ketosis, our emergency anti-starvation plan has some issues too.

Risks That Come With Keto

The most serious is a slight risk for ketoacidosis, where the blood becomes acidic enough to damage organs or even be deadly. Keto dieters also report “brain fog”, a lousy feeling they call “keto flu”, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea… and in ketosis your breath will smell like nail polish remover, the ketone acetone.

Supposedly these symptoms pass, but only if you remain in ketosis. Eat a little too much protein or too many carbohydrates and you can start all over.

The diet itself is extraordinarily restrictive, some plans suggesting only 5% of calories from carbohydrates and 80% of calories from fat. On a 2,000 calorie-per-day diet that’s 25 grams of carbohydrate: one banana.

Most people find ultra-restrictive diets difficult to sustain over time. And many health professionals are concerned about the missed nutrients so plentiful in fruits, whole grains, beans, and lentils and vegetables as well as long-term health effects. Some studies show that very low carbohydrate diets are associated with higher death risk from heart disease and cancer.

Bottom Line

Limiting carbs to some extent and spreading them out over your meals and snacks may help you control blood glucose more effectively. In fact, individualizing the carbohydrate portion of a healthy diet is a legitimate medical “standard of care” for diabetes.

But, deliberately putting yourself into ketosis, a state of metabolic emergency, with all of the other risks already associated with diabetes? Find another way. At some point, you might even consider working with a professional registered dietitian nutritionist, but if it’s just the thrill and challenge of ultra-restrictive fad diets you enjoy, wait for the next one. It won’t be long.

You May Also Enjoy:

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?
  • Sneaky Exercise For Your Diabetes Health

Filed Under: Understanding Diabetes Tagged With: fad diets and diabetes, keto diet, keto for diabetes, Toby Smithson

Toby Smithson Diabetes Everyday

Subscribe on YouTube

Toby Smithson dynamically combines her knowledge as a certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian nutritionist with her life experiences successfully managing type 1 diabetes for more than five decades.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Keys to Living Well – Toby’s Posts

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes January 8, 2021
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar? January 8, 2021
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes? January 8, 2021
  • Sneaky Exercise For Your Diabetes Health December 17, 2020

Post Archives

Before Footer

tobysmithson

342

tobysmithson

View

Jan 21

Open
Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear.  P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker  #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition 
Video link in bio.

Celebrating #NationalOatmealMonth with the lowdown on best and favorite choices for people with #diabetes. Info is good for everyone to hear. P.S .I eat #oats every morning all year long. #oatmealmonth #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #carbs #carbohydrates #fiber
@bobsredmill @quaker #oatmeal #steelcutoats #rolledoats #quickoats #hemphearts @manitobaharvest @almondsmx #pistachios #peanuts #eggenthusiast @wonderfulpistachios @peanutrd @peanutinstitute @egg.nutrition
Video link in bio.
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 15

Open
Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio  #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever

Have you tried this yet? Most definitely top of my list of things to do lately. This #video is worth viewing for everyone, not just for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio #diabetesmanagement #forestbathing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #relaxation #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliever ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 14

Open
Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot

Double thankful: got my #COVID19 #vaccine today and so glad to be living in a small town because it was quick and easy...no waiting in any line, vaccine didn’t hurt, staff was super friendly and people I knew from my neighborhood! #Igotmyshot ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 7

Open
Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher

Need some distraction from the stress of the day? These two springers are step
Sisters. Rescued from the same household several states away and coincidentally reunited as the owners (myself and Diane Myers-Mosher) live in the same subdivision. ❤️ #englishspringerspaniels #englishspringerrescue #englishspringerrescueassociation @dimmosher
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig

Needing a distraction from the news? Let’s talk healthy eating for the new year for people with #diabetes - Starting soon. @diabetesstrong_ig ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes  #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity

Follow up #video with a #recipe for a #diabetesfriendly #smoothie . #youtubevideo link in my bio. #diabetesmanagement #diabeteslife #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #nutrition #haveaplant #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity ...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 6

Open
Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to  be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets. 
Here’s the link to see the list.  #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet

Big week in my world as a registered dietitian. @usnews News 2021 Best Diets have been published and I am very honored to be part of the expert panel ranking the #diets.
Here’s the link to see the list. #bestdiet #healthyeating #weightloss #usnewsandworldreport https://health.usnews.com/best-diet
...

tobysmithson

View

Jan 4

Open
Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar.  Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw

Excited for starting off this New Year with a couple of online chats about #HealthyEating for People with #Diabetes. First up is on January 6th, where I will be the guest for #diabetesstrong Fit with Diabetes Challenge Webinar. Diabetes Strong Diabetes Strong Community #diabetesonlinecommunity #newyearsresolutions https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2716092874267/WN_Oz0vz_XWTwuueLWnDIpUjw ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 30

Open
I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear 
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement  #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity  https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM

I’m definitely excited to ring in the New Year. Make 2020 history. The video this week will give you guidance regarding this #NewYearsresolutions. Wishing you all a safe and healthy #newyear
#diabetes #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #2021 #diabetescommunity

https://youtu.be/70VmjHFFzvM
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 23

Open
Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why  drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes 
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline

Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and healthy holiday season. Make sure to stay hydrated with a focus on #water. Check out this #video on how much and why drinking water is important especially for people with #diabetes
#type1diabetes #type2diabetes #hydration #diabetesmanagement #bloodsugar #diabetescommunity #diabetescommunityonline
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 22

Open
Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack  using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy

Had fun developing a #diabetesfriendly #snack using a bento box from @NationalDairyCouncil and @TodaysDietitianMagazine to make this Greek #yogurt #Apple pie with #almonds parfait. #diabetes #snacking #TDBox #nationaldairycouncil #NDC #protein #carbs #healthyfats #dairy ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 18

Open
Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video 
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter

Dear Subscribers, Thanks for asking this question...Are #smoothies ok for people with #diabetes? The answers are in this week's #youtube #video
Located in my bio. #diabetescommunityonline #diabetesmanagement #diabeteseducation #diabetesfriendly #healthyeating #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #fruitsandveggies #plantbasedfood #plants #wheyprotein #wheyproteinshake #wheyproteinpowder #nutribullet #peanutbutter #almondbutter
...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 14

Open
I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine  for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals

I’ve been especially cognizant of keeping a stash of emergency food/ meals in my pantry ever since #COVID19 began. Had received a sample of this #starkistcreations tuna and it was delicious! It’s now on my grocery shopping list to keep in stock. TY @todaysdietitianmagazine for the #tdbox @starkistcharlie #healthyeating #balancedmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube  #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar

Hoping to clear up any confusion about #insulin for people with #diabetes. Link to video in bio under #youtube #diabetesmanagement #diabetesredefined #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetescommunity #bloodsugar ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 11

Open
Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah!

Sharing first night of Chanukah the COVID safe way... via Facebook portal with our granddaughters and wonderful DIL. ❤️ Happy Chanukah! ...

tobysmithson

View

Dec 4

Open
For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals

For those trying to stick with low carb food choices, here’s a creative option if you’d like to eat a loaded “potato”. Link in bio under #youtube #haveaplant #diabetes #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #bloodsugar #gettingcreativewithyourmeals ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 27

Open
After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome  TY to our #englishspringerspaniel  and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica

After #thanksgiving post about #physicalactivity . No need to go to a gym. I’ve got some ideas while you #staysafeathome TY to our #englishspringerspaniel and my husband @smithsonanthony for helping w this #youtube #video. Link in bio. #diabetes #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #exercise #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesonline #diabetescommunity #staysafe #englishspringerspanielsofinstagram #englishspringerspanielrescue #englishspringerrescueamerica ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 26

Open
Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram

Glad our #Thanksgiving tradition is COVID safe. Wishing all who celebrate, a happy and safe holiday. #englishspringerrescueamerica #englishspringerspaniel #englishspringersofinstagram ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 21

Open
Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio.  #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd

Curious about which breakfast is the best idea for people with #diabetes ? Check out the link to my latest #youtube #video in my bio. #diabetestype1 #diabetestype2 #diabetesmanagement #diabetescommunity #diabetesmonth #everydaydiabetes #diabetesonlinecommunity #diabetesredefined #cereal #oatmeal #bagel #eggsforbreakfast #eggs #eggenthusiast #hempseeds #whatshouldieat #whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday #fiber #complexcarbs #almonds #goodkarmamilk #eatyourveggies #almondbutter #peanutbutter #wholegrain @peanutrd ...

tobysmithson

View

Nov 19

Open
A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth  #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis  https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier

A special blog for @usnews in honor of #nationaldiabetesmonth #speakingfromtheheart #diabetes #diabeteslife #diabeteslifestyle #diabetesmanagement #healthyeating #takingcareofme #takingmeds #beingactive #diabetesredefined #type1diabetes #type2diabetes #type1 #type2 #diabetescommunity #diabetesonline #diabetesonlinecommunity #youcandothis https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/how-do-i-make-managing-diabetes-easier ...

Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Recent Posts

  • How To Make a Successful New Year’s Resolution for Diabetes
  • Can Drinking Water Help My Blood Sugar?
  • Are Smoothies Good For My Diabetes?
  • Is Insulin Right For Your Diabetes?

Let’s Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Keep in touch with diabetes news.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertising/ Disclosure
  • Contact Toby
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2021 Diabetes Everyday · Website by Market Me Social Inc.