New Delhi: Type-2 diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disorder wherein blood sugar levels increase drastically after a meal, provided one makes the right choices. This condition is a consequence of insulin-related complications such as shortage of it or resistance to the hormone – one that is released by the pancreas to use sugar from the blood as energy and regulate glucose levels. It is the most common form of diabetes and is largely blamed on lifestyle factors such as diet, workouts, and obesity. And while diabetics have to largely live on insulin shots to survive glucose spikes and drops, a study says that the drugs may not be necessary at all if one makes a dietary change.
The best diet to control type-2 diabetes without drugs
Turns out, following a low-carbohydrate diet can improve beta-cell function and this can help diabetics by controlling their blood sugar levels. Type-2 diabetes is often diagnosed in people aged 45 years and above. However, now, it is being reported in young people, teenagers, and even children. This is claimed by a study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Researchers noted that beta-cells are endocrine cells in the pancreas that release insulin for blood sugar control.
Experts note that diabetics have a compromised beta-cell response to blood sugar fluctuations, largely because of excess intake of carbs. Doctors note that beta-cell insufficiency or failure combined with insulin resistance together results in type-2 diabetes. Therefore, limiting carbs intake can help discontinue diabetes medication and still reverse the condition. Rather, one must increase intake of proteins and healthy fats.
For this, the research team collected data from 57 people with type-2 diabetes and put half of them in a low-carb group and the others on a high-carb diet. Experts examined their beta-cell function and evaluated insulin secretion levels at the start of the study and after 12 weeks. People on a low-carb diet got 9% calories from carbs, and 65% from fats, and the high-carb group got 55% calories from carbs and 20% from fats. This resulted in improvements in acute and maximal beta-cell responses.
Participants on a low-carb diet saw a drastic improvement in acute beta-cell response while the high-carb group did not see much improvement in terms of health. But at the same time, it is advised to make the right dietary changes and complement it with the right workout routine for best results.
