Cardiovascular disease is the No.1 cause of death in adults all over the world.
For people with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease can account for 44% of mortality, recent studies find
Diabetes patients have higher cardiovascular disease risk than healthy adults. This may be caused by many reasons.
Many diabetes patients also are overweight or obese, which is a big risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Besides, diabetes can change patients’ diet and physical activity, making them more vulnerable to the disease.
Some studies have found that very strong lifestyle changes with low-carb diets may improve blood sugar levels in diabetes patients and reduce their cardiovascular risk. But whether these methods can benefit diabetes patients in the long run is unknown.
In one recent study, scientists from Virta Health, San Francisco tested risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes and how a continuous care program can reduce the risks.
A total of 262 obese people with type 2 diabetes took part in the study. They were 54 years old on average.
The program was personalized for each patient. It included digital support with telemedicine, health coaching, education in nutritional ketosis, biometric feedback, and an online peer-support community.
Nutritional ketosis is a state in which the body burns fat as its primary fuel rather than glucose (sugar).
To achieve this, a person needs to get most of calories from fat and moderate protein, such as sausage, bacon, fatty steak, cheese, eggs and avocado.
S/he also needs to avoid carbs as much as possible. For example, the carb level should be lower than 30g per day.
Another important thing is that the person needs to get enough electrolytes. This can be done by drinking some 0 carb broth or eat salty foods.
Because keto will deplete the body sodium, potassium and other electrolytes, enough electrolytes can ensure the body does not feel miserable.
In the study, the patients were in the program for 1 year, and the research team tested their biomarkers of cardiovascular health.
They found that about 83% patients remained in the program at 1 year. Compared to the beginning of the program, the patients had much lower cardiovascular risk now.
Their blood pressure decreased, their cholesterol levels became better, they had less inflammations and they used less high blood pressure drugs.
The findings show that the program – lifestyle changes plus keto diet – have a long-term beneficial influence on the health of the diabetes patients.
The researchers believe that their study has real-world application and can help people with type 2 diabetes to improve their health.
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