
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb diet that recommends a daily carb limit of 20g of carbs, this changes the body’s metabolism from burning carbs for energy to burning fats. Fats are converted into ketones in the liver for use by the
This diet drops blood sugar levels and insulin levels and switches the body’s metabolism from carbs to fat and ketones. The reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state referred to as ketosis.
When this takes place, your body begins to be incredibly effective at getting energy from burning fats. In addition, it also burns fats into ketones in the liver which gives the brain enough supply of energy.
The origin of the keto diet
The keto diet was designed by Dr. Russell Wilder in 1924 at the Mayo Clinic as a treatment used for epileptic patients. This diet was very famous in the 1920s and 1930s until the introduction of anticonvulsant medications which are helpful to people with epilepsy.
Throughout history, the keto diet has been recognized to help people completely stop seizures just by eating keto. Dr. Peterman, at the Mayo Clinic, was utilizing the keto diet regularly.
After World War II, Dr. Livingston at Johns Hopkins researched and studied almost 1000 epileptic patients using the ketogenic diet and recorded excellent management of seizures. Even so, newer and more efficient seizure control medications were discovered and the interest in the keto diet reduced.
Dr. John Freeman at John Hopkins revived the keto diet in the 1980s and in 1992 he reported that the diet brought out control of seizures that had been previously uncontrolled.
Types of ketogenic diets
The Ketogenic diet comes in different types which include:
- The standard ketogenic diet (SKD): This is a diet that supplies the body with 70% fats, 20% proteins, and 10% carbs. It involves the intake of extremely low carbs, moderate proteins, and high fat.
- The cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): This diet has alternating periods of high carbs intake, for example, a 5-day ketogenic diet followed by a 2-day high carb diet.
- The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD): This diet gives you the liberty to add extra carbs to your diet during the working-out periods.
- High protein ketogenic diet: It is the same as the standard ketogenic diet, but gives the intake of more protein with a ratio of 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs.
Of the above types of ketogenic diets, there are some which have been studied and researched in-depth like the standard and high protein ketogenic diets.
The other diets like the cyclical ketogenic diet or targeted ketogenic diets are very much advanced weight loss methods and are primarily utilized by athletes and bodybuilders.
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic condition in which the body makes use of fat for fuel rather than carbs. This occurs when you significantly limit the intake of carbohydrates, reducing the supply of glucose (sugar) into your body, which is the major energy source for the cells.
Following the ketogenic diet is the only way to go if you want to enter into ketosis. This involves limiting the intake of carbs to about 20 to 50 grams in a day and increasing the intake of fats like fish, meat, nuts, eggs, and healthy oils.
As much as you need more proteins in this diet, you must eat proteins in moderate amounts. This is because taking a lot of proteins can be converted into glucose which can slow your transition into ketosis.
Some tests assist you to notice if you have reached Ketosis. The quantity of ketones manufactured by the body is measured from tests using your urine, blood, or breath.
In addition, some symptoms can help you know that you have entered into ketosis like having a dry mouth, reduced hunger, frequent urination, reduced appetite, and increased thirst.
Benefits of the keto diet
- The keto diets help you to lose weight
It is the most preferred way to lose weight and at the same time lower the risk of getting some diseases. Some research says that the keto diet may be as efficient as the low-fat diet when it comes to weight loss. This diet is very filling as one may be able to lose weight without tracking the amount of food taken or calories. When it comes to being on a weight loss program on a long-term basis, the keto diet is very much recommended.
- The Keto diets for diabetes and prediabetes people
Diabetes is mainly identified by impaired insulin function, high levels of blood sugar, and changes that occur in the body’s metabolism.
The Keto diet aids in getting rid of additional fats which are very much almost connected to prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, and type two diabetes. The keto diet helps to improve and increase the sensitivity of insulin by 75%.
- The keto diet has health benefits for health conditions like;
- Heart disease: The keto diet can help improve the heart disease risk factors like good levels of cholesterol, body fat, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
- Cancer: Keto is presently under study and research is being done on it as a potential treatment for lowering the growth of cancer tumors.
- Alzheimer’s disease. Keto may slow down the progression of this disease and reduce its symptoms.
- Most research shows that the keto diet can significantly help slow down and reduce seizures in children who are epileptic.
- Parkinson’s disease. A study done on this disease showed that keto helps in enhancing the manifestation of Parkinson’s disease, however, more studies should be done to explore more on the diet and the disease.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. In the case of people with polycystic ovary syndrome, being on Keto can greatly support lowering insulin levels.
- Brain injuries. When it comes to a traumatic brain injury accident, some studies show that the diet can be of great help by improving its results.
Most of the research done on the above health conditions is not conclusive, therefore, more research needs to be done and more in-depth conclusions reached.
- Improves acne
Acne can be caused by several different factors and in some people, it may be associated with the diet they are on and their level of blood sugar. Skin health can be adversely affected when one takes foods that are highly processed carbs which might modify the equilibrium in the gut bacteria leading to a significant rise and drop in blood sugar level.
When one decreases the intake of carbs while on the keto diet, it might help reduce the symptoms of acne in some people.
Side effects of the keto diet and how they can be minimized
As your body adapts to the keto diet, some people may experience some side effects. Some of these side effects are referred to as the keto flu and based on some eating plans, the side effects mostly disappear after a few days. Some of the known keto flu symptoms are constipation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Other symptoms include;
- Reduced functioning of your mental health and energy
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sugar cravings
- Body weakness
- Stomach pains
- Nausea
- Increased hunger
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
- Discomfort in the digestive system
- Reduced performance in exercises
- Poor concentration
- Sleep issues
To minimize experiencing these symptoms, add low-carb foods to your diet regularly until the body gets used to the diet before going exclusive on Keto.
Keto may additionally alter the equilibrium of your body between water and minerals. You must take food with enough salt or those with sufficient minerals and supplements to minimize that.
When beginning the keto diet, ensure that you eat until you are satisfied and do not restrict calories too much. This is because the keto diet usually causes weight loss without intentional restriction of calories.
How to get rid of the keto flu
Generally, the keto flu makes you have a miserable and sick feeling. However, some ways are put in place to help you avoid or lower the flu-like symptoms that come with Keto. This will give your body humble time to transition through this period smoothly. They include;
- Stay hydrated
Taking enough water is very helpful to the body as it will help you to experience optimal health and help reduce the keto flu-like symptoms. This diet can make you deplete water stored in the body speedily raising the threat of being dehydrated.
This is because glycogen which is then kept in carbohydrate form binds to water in the body. After the carbohydrate intake is reduced, glycogen levels are rapidly reduced leading to water being excreted from the body.
Being well hydrated can help in reducing symptoms like diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping of muscles.
- Avoid strenuous exercise
Exercises are very important to staying healthy and keeping the body in good shape. However, strenuous exercise should be kept away from when experiencing keto-flu symptoms.
It is very important that during the first week of being on the keto diet, you give your body enough time to rest and adjust to the diet. Some of the activities to avoid include running, intense biking, weight lifting, and cardio exercises.
However, you can engage in light activities like yoga, leisure biking, and walking as they will improve the keto flu symptoms.
- Replace electrolytes
Restoring electrolytes in the diet can significantly come in handy in reducing flu symptoms. The Keto diet makes insulin levels decline, which is a vital hormone that supports the body to take in glucose in the bloodstream.
When the levels of insulin decline, excess sodium is released from the body by the kidneys. In addition, the keto diet regulates many foods that have high levels of potassium like fruits, starchy vegetables, and beans.
These important nutrients are very important when it comes to adapting through this period while on the keto diet.
Make sure that you add salt to your food and take food that is rich in Potassium to keep a balance in electrolytes. These can only be done by taking a lot of green leafy vegetables and some fruits like avocado. The fruits and green leafy vegetables also give the body magnesium that is good in lowering muscle cramps, sleeping problems, and headaches.
- Get adequate sleep
Most people who are adapting to the keto diet complain about irritability and sleep. Not sleeping enough can lead to a rise in cortisol which is a stress hormone, this directly brings an effect on mood which leads to the worsening of the flu symptoms.
If you encounter difficulty sleeping when on the keto diet, try the following:
- Lower the intake of caffeine: Since caffeine is considered to be a stimulant and can impact your sleep negatively, you need to consume the caffeinated drink during the morning hours to avoid it affecting your sleep at night.
- Cut out ambient light: Before going to bed, put off your cell phone, tv, computers, and lights and the dark environment will promote sleep.
- Take a bath: Ensure you take a bath before bedtime and add some essential oils lavender and Epsom salt as they are a relaxing way to help you relax and sleep well.
- Get up early: Have a time when you wake up every day. This will help you to avoid oversleeping and have a normal sleeping pattern hence improving your sleeping quality.
- Make sure you are eating enough fat and carbs
Being on the keto diet and transitioning to taking low carbs can lead you to crave foods that are restricted while on the keto diet like bread, bagels, cookies, and pasta.
Nevertheless, eating food that will supply the body with enough fats as the primary root of fuel keto assists in reducing cravings and making you feel fuller and satisfied.
Most studies report that being on a Keto diet helps one to reduce the urge to take food containing high carbs. People experiencing a hard time adjusting to keto can still consume the starches in low amounts and eliminate them gradually.
Cutting on the carbs slowly and increasing the intake of proteins and fats will play a big role in smoothing the adjustment process and lessening the symptoms.
Why Do Some People Get the Keto Flu?
People transform to the keto diet in different ways. Some may not get the flu symptoms completely and adapt well while others might take a week or more to adapt to the keto diet and experience the keto-flu symptoms.
The symptoms being experienced by different people will depend on how they adapt and adjust to the source of fuel. On normal occasions, carbs are the ones that provide the body with energy in the form of glucose. The body will shift to burning ketones from fats instead of glucose from carbs when one is on a keto diet.
Most people who have a lot of carbs when not on any diet like refined pasta, soda, and processed cereals will have a tough time adjusting to keto. Therefore, shifting to the keto diet may prove to be hard for many people but others can transition by linking fuel sources efficiently with no symptoms at all or in few numbers.
It is believed that the driving force behind the keto flu is the loss of electrolytes, genetics, withdrawal of carbohydrates, and dehydration. It is still not known why some people adapt to the keto diet very fast while others find it hard to adapt to it.
How Long Will It Last?
The keto flu symptoms will not take long to disappear and for one to adjust to the diet on most occasions. Most people take only a week but some people may find it hard to adapt to this high-fat low-carb diet hence taking several weeks.
Once the body has adapted to converting ketones into energy, the keto-flu symptoms will disappear. If you are experiencing prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, and severe fever while on the keto diet, it is advised that you immediately contact a doctor to rule out other causes.
Threats of the keto diet
Being on this diet for an extended period may disadvantage your body. It comes with risks like:
- Low protein content in the blood
- Your liver may have additional fat
- Existence of kidney stones
- Having deficiencies in micronutrient
Someone with diabetes type 2 and is taking a medicine referred to as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors should avoid the keto diet since it increases the danger of occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis.
There is a group of people that need to avoid the keto diet and they include:
- People who are diabetic and Insulin-dependent
- People with an eating disorder
- People who have pancreatitis disease or kidney disease
- Breastfeeding or pregnant women
Disadvantages of the keto diet
- It is difficult to sustain
It is very difficult to sustain the keto diet, especially for those people who love food because it restricts the intake of some foods. Those who can sustain it will achieve the weight loss they desire but those not able to will be wasting their time since they will not be able to reach ketosis.
- Depletion of calories and nutrient deficiency
Keto restricts the intake of some food, therefore, if one does not observe the food being taken to ensure that all the nutrients and minerals the body needs are included in the diet, one might miss out on important minerals and nutrients that the body needs.
- Bad fats in practice
The keto diet makes one consume bad high amounts of fats which could hurt the heart health. Most people take in high amounts of saturated fats and this leads to an increase in cardiovascular diseases.
- Risk in the Renal system
People with kidney diseases have a high risk of needing dialysis while on the keto diet. This is because of the additional ketones that have to be processed by the renal system.
Some people may also experience high rates of dehydration while on the keto diet, this is because they are removing glycogen from their bloodstream which is utilized to hold water.
- Food obsession
The keto diet micromanages the food you take by tracking what you eat; this removes you from what your body is used to eating and is asking for. When monitoring so much of the food you take might lead to psychological distress like binge eating and stress.
- May damage the health of the bones
The keto diet is very much associated with impairing the health of bones. This diet is mostly linked to a decrease in the strength of the bones due to losses in the density of minerals in the bones, and this may occur when your body is adapting to ketosis.
- Poor functioning of the body organs
Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and it is obtained from the body by breaking down fats. Glucose is utilized by many body organs like red blood cells. The brain, the nervous system, and body tissue are sources of energy.
However, the body organs utilize energy obtained from breaking down fats called the ketones. This leads to a shift in the body’s metabolisms creating in the body a glucose deficit as it turns towards the muscles for proteins.
This process leads to derailed repair and proper functioning of the major body organs like the liver, lungs, kidneys, and the heart.
- Dehydration
The keto diet plays a major role in helping the body to shed some weight by lowering the diet and maintaining the muscles. Nevertheless, this diet can be very risky to the body if it is overdone.
When the body enters a metabolic state, the diet helps to form ketones which are a byproduct of ketones. When the ketones are produced in excess, they lead to a condition called ketoacidosis.
This condition causes dehydration by making the blood too acidic. In very rare cases, ketoacidosis can lead to coma or even death.
- Rise in cholesterol
The keto diet involves taking high fats with low carbs. Foods like bacon, cheese, butter, and fatty meats are a vital part of your diet daily, these lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your body.
In addition, these foods are very rich in saturated fats which leads to the production of unhealthy LDL cholesterol. An increase in LDL cholesterol is very risky for everyone and to be specific for people with a history of cardiovascular disease.
You must have checkups regularly to ensure that the cholesterol in your body is not harmful.
- The keto diet lack fiber
The keto diet shows a decline in the intake of fiber. The fiber in food is very significant as it travels throughout the body providing fodder for the bacteria in the gut. This leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids that nutrify the colon cells and provide anti-inflammatory properties.
In diabetes people, the short-chain fatty acids enhance the regulation of blood glucose and boost the sensitivity of insulin.
Foods to avoid while on the keto diet
While on the keto diet, one should completely avoid food that is high in carbs like:
- Foods high in sugars: fruit juice, cake, smoothies, candy, soda, and ice cream.
- Grains or starches: rice, pasta, cereals, and wheat-based products.
- Fruits: avoid all fruit, except small portions of different types of berries.
- Beans or legumes: lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and
- Root vegetables and tubers: parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.
- Low fat or diet products: condiments, salad dressings, and low-fat mayonnaise.
- Some condiments or sauces: teriyaki sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce.
- Unhealthy fats: vegetable oil that is processed and mayonnaise.
- Alcoholic drinks: beer, wine, mixed drinks, and liquor.
- Sugar-free diet foods: syrups, desserts, sweeteners, and sugar-free candies.
Foods to eat while on the keto diet
While on the keto diet, most of your meals should be based around foods like:
- Meat: ham, bacon, turkey, red meat, sausage, steak, and chicken
- Fatty fish: tuna, salmon, mackerel, and trout
- Eggs: pastured or omega-3 whole eggs
- Butter and cream: grass-fed butter and heavy cream
- Cheese: unprocessed cheeses like cream, mozzarella, cheddar, blue, and goat
- Nuts and seeds: chia seeds, almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds
- Healthy oils: extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil
- Avocados: Whole avocados or freshly made guacamole
- Low carb veggies: green veggies, onions, peppers, and tomatoes
- Condiments: salt, spices, pepper, and herbs
A sample of the keto diet meal plan for 1 week
Most beginners on the keto diet might not know how to start the keto diet and what healthy meal combinations can help them get started. Below is a sample of a keto meal plan that can help you get started for a week:
Monday
- breakfast: veggie combined with egg muffins and tomatoes
- lunch: chicken salad with olive oil, cream cheese, and olives, with a side salad
- dinner: tuna with asparagus cooked in butter
Tuesday
- breakfast: egg, basil, tomato, and spinach omelet
- lunch: almond milk, spinach, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and stevia milkshake which is a more keto smoothie with a side of sliced raspberries
- dinner: cheese-shell tacos with salsa
Wednesday
- breakfast: nut milk chia pudding with strawberries, and coconut
- lunch: avocado shrimp salad
- dinner: pork chops with Parmesan cheese, cauliflower, and salad
Thursday
- breakfast: egg with avocado, salsa, onions, peppers, and spices
- lunch: a handful of nuts and celery sticks with salsa, and guacamole
- dinner: chicken stuffed with pesto and cream cheese, and a side of grilled cucumber
Friday
- breakfast: sugar-free Greek, whole milk yogurt with peanut butter, cocoa powder, and strawberries
- lunch: ground beef lettuce wraps tacos with sliced bell peppers
- dinner: loaded broccoli and mixed veggies
Saturday
- breakfast: mozzarella cheese pancakes with blueberries and a side of fried mushrooms
- lunch: Zucchini and beet noodle salad
- dinner: salmon fish cooked in olive oil with kale and toasted cashew nuts
Sunday
- breakfast: fried eggs with grilled mushrooms
- lunch: low carb sesame chicken and cauliflower
- dinner: spaghetti squash Bolognese
While on the keto diet, ensure that you cycle between vegetables and meat over a long period of time. This is because each type of vegetable and meat gives the body different types of nutrients and minerals which boost the body’s health.
Healthy keto snacks
While on the keto diet, there are some healthy snacks that you can take. They can be taken between meals when you feel hungry. They include:
- Cheese
- Keto sushi bites Strawberries and plain cottage cheese
- o Hard-boiled or deviled eggs, take only one or two
- Snack bars that are Keto-friendly
- Olives
- A small number of nuts and seeds
- Celery combined with salsa and guacamole
- Dark chocolate that is 90%
- Fatty fish or meat
- Leftover meals in smaller portions
- Fat bombs
- Beef jerky
- Greek yogurt that is full-fat combined with cocoa powder and nut butter
- Guacamole and Bell peppers
Keto diet tips and tricks
It can be very difficult for you when you are a beginner on the keto diet. There are some tricks and tips that can help you get started and sustain the keto diet to completion, they include:
Begin by being familiar with labels of foods, the level of cars, grams in each portion, grams of fats, and fiber content to know how the food you like can fit into your diet.
If you have a tight schedule or do not know how to fix a keto meal, then you can opt for those people or restaurants that prepare Keto-friendly foods and deliver them. This is a very efficient way as you will enjoy a well-cooked keto-friendly meal in the comfort of your home.
You can make use of food blogs, apps, websites, and cookbooks that give well explained and detailed information on many receipts and menus on keto meals. This will help you come up with different types of menus.
When you are short on time, take a look at the healthy frozen keto meal plans. It is important that you plan your meals in advance and on time.
When you are invited to social gatherings or family events, you can carry your keto food to make you stick to your diet and curb your cravings.
Tips for eating out on a ketogenic diet
Most restaurants have keto-friendly meals on their menus. Most restaurants have fish, chicken, or meat dishes, you can supplement them with a side dish of additional vegetables. Also, meals that are prepared from eggs are a good option to go with like sausage, omelet, bacon, and eggs.
Also, burn-less burgers whereby fries are replaced with vegetables. Add extra cheese, eggs, bacon, or avocado.
If you are at a Mexican restaurant, you are free to take any type of meat like beef, mutton, and pork with added guacamole, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. If you have to make a dessert, go for a mixture of a cheese board or berries with cream.
Supplements for a ketogenic diet
It is not a must for you to take supplements when you are taking a well-balanced keto meal daily. However, if you must add supplements to your diet, the following are recommended:
- MCT oil: it is added to yogurt or drinks to provide the body with energy and increase the level of ketones.
- Minerals: minerals and added salts can be very vital when beginning the keto diet due to an imbalance between water and minerals.
- Caffeine: It can give the body-positive advantages for losing fats, energy, and general performance.
- Exogenous ketones: this is a supplement that enhances the level of ketones in the body.
- Creatine: when combining the keto diet with exercises, this supplement can be of great help as it helps improve performance.
- Whey: If daily, half a spoon of whey protein is used in other drinks like shakes and yogurt, can increasingly support the intake of protein.
KETOACIDOSIS
Ketoacidosis is a medical condition that is life-threatening and involves the body developing high levels of acidity by having an extremely low level of pH. This occurs when the body releases high levels of ketones which is a complication of type 1 diabetes.
The body envisions that it is starved leading to it breaking down fats and proteins speedily. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition caused by a deficiency of insulin. Therefore, if a diabetic person that is insulin-dependent is not provided with enough insulin, misses a meal, is stressed, reacts to insulin, and does not have enough insulin injected, then there is a danger of developing diabetic ketoacidosis.
The keto diet can induce ketoacidosis especially when one is on a low carb diet with high fats also as seen, it can be brought about when one does not know the risk of not taking their medications. People who are at a high risk of diabetic ketoacidosis are those with diabetes and with high levels of blood ketones.
Ketoacidosis can be caused by high levels of stress, drug and alcohol misuse, pneumonia, severe dehydration, urinary tract infection, stroke, heart attack, being involved in an accident, and taking medications like diuretics, prednisone, glucocorticoid, and dexamethasone.
When you get sick, you may not be in a position to consume food as you usually do and not be able to give the body all the nutrients and minerals it needs, therefore, you might have a difficulty maintaining the blood sugar levels that the body should have due to low food intake.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis
They include;
- Feeling exhausted
- Urinating frequently and feeling thirsty.
- High levels of blood glucose.
- Having flushed or dry skin.
- Increasing levels of ketones in the urine.
- Having stomach pains
- Experiencing difficulty in breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
- Having trouble breathing.
- Losing consciousness.
- Having difficulties in being attentive and being confused.
- Excessive thirst.
How to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that needs quick medical emergency but is very much treatable. Most diabetic ketoacidosis patients may stay in the hospital to be monitored by the doctor until they stabilize.
They will need insulin therapy combined with the replacement of fluids and electrolytes as treatment. Patients with diabetes should observe prevention measures so that they avoid going into ketoacidosis. The preventive measures they can apply include;
- They should frequently monitor levels of blood glucose and if not under control, they should ensure they visit a doctor.
- If the blood sugar level is above 240 mg/dl, they should test their urine for ketones.
- If they have high levels of blood sugar with ketones in their urine, they should avoid exercising.
- They should take insulin as the doctor has instructed them.
- Ensuring they take a well-balanced diet and do not skip any meals.
- Take enough fluids if you are diabetic to avoid being dehydrated. If you take any beverage like coffee, take 8 ounces of beverages that are free from caffeine.
- Check the insulin you have if it has expired or not to be on the safer side.
- Check for insulin leaks if you are on an insulin pump and your tube connections for the presence of air bubbles.
- If your insulin dose has clumps, discard it and don’t use it. Ensure that the insulin you take is very clear or evenly cloudy with tiny flecks.
- Create an emergency plan for diabetic ketoacidosis. If you have high levels of ketones or your blood sugar is too high, then visit a doctor urgently.
Diabetes ketoacidosis can also be found in people with diabetes type 2 but this is a rare case. This can only be found in older people with type 2 diabetes and with severe dehydration levels.
Diabetic ketoacidosis has its risks factors which include;
- Stomach illness.
- If one does not take insulin as instructed by the doctor.
- Infections.
- Missing insulin doses often.
- Having type 1 diabetes and this includes even if it is not diagnosed.
- Having heart infractions like a heart attack.
- Any trauma experiences.
- Having an eating disorder.
- Severe stress.
- Experiencing endocrine conditions
- Having acute gastrointestinal diseases like pancreatitis.
- Blood clots especially in the lungs.
- If you have had a recent stroke.
- Any form of surgery.
- If you are pregnant.
- Use of drugs like cocaine and heroin.
- Taking medicines like antipsychotics and steroids.
Diagnosis and tests of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
To diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis, one has to either personally do the tests or visit a doctor for examination. Different ways are used to test for the condition and they include;
- Test your ketone levels if you have the above-mentioned symptoms of high blood sugar like urinating frequently, and feeling thirsty or if your blood sugar level is above 250 milligrams per deciliter.
- Use a urine test stripe to measure your levels of sugar since ketones can be measured by some glucose meters. You can try to lower your blood sugar by the test again after some time, like 30 minutes.
- Visit a doctor for a physical examination, the doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history. To diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis, the doctor might need you to do tests like;
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure
- Bloodwork as well as electrolytes and metabolic panel
- Arterial blood gas
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Signs of infection tests
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment
It is very important that once you discover that you have diabetic ketoacidosis, seek medical attention as fast as possible. This is because you can go into a coma and possibly pass on. The emergency treatments you might receive at the hospital include;
- Given fluids to be hydrated to bring your blood chemistry back to equilibrium.
- If you show signs and symptoms of getting a heart attack, then the doctor will do a further evaluation of the heart.
- If you have infections, you will be given antibiotics.
- Given insulin shots through an IV to lower your level of ketones.
- To replace vital minerals like potassium, sodium, and chloride, your electrolytes will be replaced through IV to keep your nerves, muscles, and heart functioning properly.
While in a diabetic ketoacidosis condition, you will experience complications if you do not get emergency help like getting insulin shots or electrolytes being replaced. Some of the complications include;
- Swelling of the brain (Cerebral edema) and this happens if your blood sugars are altered quickly.
- Being unconscious.
- Death.
- Low levels of potassium or hypokalemia.
- Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia.
SUMMARY
The keto diet is a very efficient diet for overweight people, who have diabetes and have the desire to enhance their metabolic health. This diet may not fit those who wish to put on huge amounts of weight or muscles and also for athletes.
As much as the keto diet is very efficient when it comes to weight loss in the short term, it might lead to health problems like poor bone health, issues in the digestive system, heart problems, and nutrient deficiencies.
Since the keto diet comes with some risks, people with health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, kidney disease, and bone issues should seek advice from a doctor or a nutritionist before beginning the keto diet.
In addition, consult a dietitian to plan a well-balanced meals plan for you and help monitor your nutrient levels while on the diet to reduce any risks and health complications that may arise. If you have been consuming a lot of carbohydrates, you might be prone to the keto flu symptoms, ensure that you go slow on the carbs as you gradually adapt to the keto diet.
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