The ketogenic (keto) diet, characterized by a sharp reduction in carbohydrates and an increase in fats, is adopted by many people with diabetes hoping to control blood sugar and lose weight. However, Nguyen Thi Quynh, a nutrition specialist from the Department of Nutrition at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, warns that this method carries many potential risks.

Hypoglycemia

Drastically reducing carbohydrates while continuing to use insulin or blood sugar-lowering medication can cause blood sugar to drop rapidly and severely, leading to hypoglycemia. Patients may experience trembling, sweating, dizziness, confusion, or even fainting or seizures. If not detected and treated promptly, hypoglycemia can easily cause brain damage.

A keto diet, with its drastic reduction in carbohydrates, can cause blood sugar to drop rapidly and severely. *Thanh Ba*

May increase bad cholesterol

The keto diet often encourages increased fat consumption, with many choosing red meat, animal fat, butter, and cheese. This dietary pattern can raise bad cholesterol, a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Ketoacidosis

In patients with insulin deficiency, especially those with type 1 diabetes or severe stage type 2 diabetes, excessive ketone body production can lead to ketoacidosis: a condition where the body has a severe insulin deficiency, forcing it to burn fat for energy, leading to the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood. Patients may exhibit nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid deep breathing, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, and coma. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal.

Nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte imbalance

The keto diet can also cause nutritional deficiencies if not scientifically structured. Limiting grains, fruits, and many starchy vegetables reduces essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leading to constipation, gut microbiota imbalance, headaches, and electrolyte disturbances.

Increased complications from metabolic disorders

The keto diet is difficult to adhere to long-term. Most people who adopt keto revert to their old eating habits, leading to weight regain and poor blood sugar control. Frequent dietary changes also disrupt metabolism, increasing the risk of complications.

Specialist Quynh notes that keto is not suitable for all people with diabetes. Individuals with kidney failure, liver disease, pregnant women, malnourished elderly, or patients taking multiple blood sugar-lowering medications need to be especially cautious. Diabetics should not arbitrarily change their diet while on medication. Patients need to be advised and monitored by a specialist doctor to ensure safety. Diabetes management should be based on a specific diet, combined with scientific nutrition, physical activity, medication, and regular blood sugar monitoring.

Thanh Ba