Ketogenic Diet

Ketogenic diets are high in protein and fat

A ketogenic diet is based on the principles of low carbohydrate, high protein and high fat.

On a ketogenic diet you may need to eat a level of carbohydrate as low as 40g of carbohydrates per day or below, meaning the body uses fat to convert to energy.

Some research indicates that a ketogenic diet can be effective for people with diabetes, though the diet also has its critics who question its safety over the medium and long term.

What characterises a ketogenic diet?

The term ‘ketogenic diet’ can be used to refer any low carbohydrate diet that regularly induces ketosis. These diets will typically be higher in fat, lower in carbs and involve adequate protein.

However, there is also a specific ‘ketogenic diet’ that was originally used to control epilepsy amongst children.

Medical ketogenic diet

Medical ketogenic diets typically include a 4:1 weight ratio of 4 parts energy from fat to 1 part of combined protein and carbohydrate.

Anyone considering trying such a diet is strongly advised to consult their doctor or specialist before starting such a diet.

How are ketogenic diets achieved?

People on ketogenic diets can bring on ketosis by excluding high-carbohydrate foods from their diets such as bread, pasta, grains, sugar and the more starchy fruit and vegetables.

Ketogenic diets tend to include less protein than the Atkins diet and a higher amount of fat.

In the medical ketogenic diet, patients would consume larger quantities of yoghurt, cream and butter to make up the calories.

Are there any side effects of being on a ketogenic diet?

More common that can be experienced by those on ketogenic diets can include:

• Headaches
• Weakness
• Insomnia
• Constipation

For medical ketogenic diets, used to treat epilepsy, side effects also included high concentrations of calcium in the urine, kidney stones and irregular periods.

Is a ketogenic diet suitable for people with diabetes?

People with diabetes should consult their doctor or a specialist before starting a ketogenic diet to ensure it is carried out safely.

Diets which induce ketosis tend to come under scrutiny and are not often recommend by the medical profession as there are doubts over the safety of prolonged periods of ketosis.