high in fat and very low in carbs may improve pancreatic function in people with type 2 diabetes, a new study finds. That raises the possibility that this way of eating could help control the disease in some cases.
Study design and results
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted the study. Fifty‑one adults with aged 55 to 62 took part. The participants were assigned to two groups: one followed a ketogenic diet and the other followed a low‑fat diet. Both diets were designed to maintain the participants’ weight rather than to promote weight loss. The intervention lasted three months.
As the primary outcome, the scientists analyzed the proinsulin‑to‑C‑peptide ratio in the blood — a biomarker that reflects how hard the pancreas is working to produce .
Although both groups experienced a small amount of weight loss, the ketogenic group showed a more noticeable improvement in the proinsulin/C‑peptide ratio. That suggests the keto diet may have reduced the workload on the pancreatic beta cells — the cells responsible for secreting insulin.
Limitations and cautions
The authors and other experts stress that these results come from a small sample over a short period and do not prove that type 2 diabetes can be “completely cured” by diet alone. Apart from radical interventions such as bariatric surgery or major weight loss, researchers know few proven ways to directly improve beta‑cell function.
Around 800 million people worldwide live with type 2 diabetes. The disease is closely linked to excess body weight, , and diet, although genetics also plays a role. Experts urge considering dietary changes as part of a comprehensive approach to disease management and recommend consulting a doctor before making drastic changes to eating habits.
Potential risks of the keto diet
At the same time, other studies point to potential downsides of very‑low‑carb ketogenic diets. For example, research from the University of Bath found that following a keto diet for 12 weeks was associated with higher blood levels and with reductions in beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.
The study reported changes in microbiome composition, including decreases in bacteria tied to digestion and immune health, and it raised concerns about the cholesterol increases that are associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk. The authors emphasized that individuals’ responses to the diet varied widely and that the long‑term consequences remain unknown.
These new results add weight to the idea that dietary changes can affect not only body weight but also biological mechanisms related to diabetes. At the same time, evidence on the long‑term safety and benefits of ketogenic approaches remains limited. Patients with type 2 diabetes should discuss any major dietary changes with their doctor or a dietitian and weigh their individual risks and benefits.
Based on material from Daily Mail
Photo: Unsplash
