May 19, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode of The Health Pulse Podcast, we explore the growing evidence that the ketogenic diet may do more than manage type 2 diabetes—it could help reverse it. Once viewed as a progressive disease, type 2 diabetes is now being reexamined through a metabolic lens, with keto offering a direct way to lower insulin demand, improve blood sugar control, and reduce medication dependence.
Learn how ketosis works, what the research shows (including 94% of insulin users reducing or stopping insulin), and which foods support therapeutic ketosis. We also cover why medical supervision is essential and how keto may even benefit liver health and fatty liver disease.
🎧 Tap play to discover how a well-formulated ketogenic diet could be a powerful tool for resetting your metabolism and reclaiming your health.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nicolette (00:01):
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Rachel (00:21):
You know, for such a long time it really felt like
the narrative around type 2diabetes was kind of fixed.
You know a condition you managemostly with meds and it often
gets worse over time.
Mark (00:31):
That was definitely the prevailing view for years.
Manage the symptoms, controlthe numbers as best you can.
Rachel (00:37):
But things are shifting right.
There's this growing buzz andactual research now suggesting
that maybe it doesn't have to bethat way.
We're seeing talk of majorimprovements, even remission.
Mark (00:47):
Exactly Remission, meaning people actually getting their
blood sugar back into anon-diabetic range without
needing the medications theywere on before.
Some studies are showing reallyimpressive numbers, like over
half the participants achievingthis.
Rachel (01:01):
Which is huge.
It's moving away from justmanaging towards potentially
reversing the underlying issues.
Mark (01:06):
It's a return to focusing on root causes, particularly
metabolic dysfunction, and howlifestyle, especially diet, can
fundamentally change things.
Rachel (01:15):
And right in the middle of this conversation is the
ketogenic diet, keto.
It's getting a ton of attention.
It really is so.
For anyone not you know superdeep into this already.
Keto basically means cuttingcarbs way, way down.
Mark (01:29):
Drastically.
Rachel (01:30):
And bringing healthy fats way up.
The idea is to push your bodyinto something called ketosis.
Okay, so what's ketosis?
Mark (01:36):
again, Ketosis is where your body shifts its main fuel
source.
Instead of running primarily onglucose, which comes from carbs
, it starts burning fat andproducing ketones for energy.
Rachel (01:48):
Burning fat for fuel Okay, and the potential payoff
for someone with type 2 diabetescould be pretty significant.
Mark (01:55):
That's what the research is pointing towards.
We're talking potentially lowerblood sugar, better insulin
sensitivity, how well your cellsactually listen to insulin.
Rachel (02:03):
Which is the core problem in type 2.
Right.
Mark (02:06):
It's a huge part of it.
Yes, yeah.
And that can lead to needingless medication, sometimes even
none.
Plus, there are often benefitsfor weight management too.
Rachel (02:14):
Okay, but let's be honest looking into keto can
feel overwhelming.
There's so much info, so manyopinions.
Mark (02:20):
It can definitely feel like wading through jargon
sometimes.
Rachel (02:23):
So that's what we want to do today.
Opinions it can definitely feellike wading through jargon
sometimes, so that's what wewant to do today.
This deep dive is about cuttingthrough that noise.
We want to give you a clear,practical guide.
How does keto actually work fortype 2 diabetes?
What should you eat?
How do you start safely?
Mark (02:36):
And, importantly, grounded in the science.
We'll look at what the studiesare actually showing.
Rachel (02:41):
Think of it as your roadmap to understanding the
essentials without getting lostin the weeds.
Mark (02:46):
We want to make this actionable, give you insights
you can actually use if you'reconsidering this path.
Rachel (02:51):
All right, perfect.
So let's start right at thebeginning.
What is the keto dietfundamentally?
Mark (02:56):
Fundamentally, it's a dietary pattern defined by being
very low in carbohydrates,moderate in protein and high in
fat.
The goal, as we said, is totrigger that metabolic shift to
using ketones for energy insteadof glucose.
Rachel (03:09):
And that state is ketosis.
You get there by reallylimiting the carbs.
Mark (03:14):
Exactly when carb intake drops low enough usually under
50 grams a day, sometimes evenlower your liver starts breaking
down fats both from your dietand body stores into these
molecules called ketone bodies.
Rachel (03:26):
And those become the main fuel.
Mark (03:28):
They become the primary fuel source for many tissues,
including the brain, whichusually relies heavily on
glucose.
Rachel (03:34):
Okay, so in terms of like percentages on your plate,
what does that look like?
I think I saw some figures fromHarvard.
Mark (03:40):
Yeah, the typical breakdown often cited is around
70 to 75 percent of caloriescoming from fat, then protein is
maybe 20 to 25 percent andcarbs are really low, just 5 to
10 percent of total calories.
Rachel (03:51):
Now, OK, that's.
That's really different fromhow most people eat, isn't it?
The standard diet is muchhigher in carbs.
Mark (03:57):
Absolutely.
A typical Western diet mightget 45 to 65 percent of calories
from carbs.
So keto is a major departureand that strict carb restriction
, keeping it consistently belowthat 50 gram threshold, that's
the trigger for ketosis.
Rachel (04:11):
Right.
So the body adapts, startsburning fat.
Why is this metabolic switchpotentially so helpful for type
2 diabetes?
Mark (04:19):
Well, it hits several key areas.
Lowering carbs naturally lowersblood sugar.
Less blood sugar means lessneed for insulin.
This reduces the strain on thepancreas.
Over time, cells can becomeless resistant, more sensitive
to insulin again.
Plus, burning fat can lead toweight loss, especially that
harmful visceral fat around theorgans.
Rachel (04:39):
That deep abdominal fat.
Mark (04:41):
Exactly the fat strongly linked to insulin resistance and
inflammation.
And this isn't just theory.
We're seeing clinical researchbacking this up for managing and
, as we mentioned, potentiallyreversing type 2 diabetes.
Rachel (04:53):
Which leads us right into the next big question how
does keto actually affect themechanics of type 2 diabetes?
Mark (05:01):
Okay.
So type 2 diabetesfundamentally is a state of
insulin resistance.
Your cells don't respondproperly to insulin, so sugar
can't easily get from your bloodinto the cells to be used for
energy.
This causes blood sugar to rise.
Rachel (05:14):
Right Insulin is like the key, but the locks are
jammed.
Mark (05:17):
That's a good analogy.
Now, the keto diet tackles thishead on because by drastically
reducing carbohydrate intake,you dramatically reduce the
amount of sugar entering yourbloodstream in the first place.
Rachel (05:27):
Less sugar coming in means less sugar needs to be
managed.
Mark (05:30):
Precisely, your blood glucose levels naturally tend to
decrease and because there'sless sugar to deal with, your
body doesn't need to pump out asmuch insulin.
Rachel (05:39):
So the pancreas gets a bit of a rest.
Mark (05:42):
It does, and with lower circulating insulin levels over
time, reducing what we callhyperinsulinemia, your cells can
actually start to regain theirsensitivity to the insulin that
is present.
The locks start to unjam, ifyou will.
Rachel (05:55):
So you get better blood sugar control overall.
Mark (05:57):
Yes, improved glycemic control and potentially you're
addressing that root causeinsulin resistance.
Rachel (06:04):
And the impact can be pretty dramatic based on some of
the studies.
I think you mentioned one from2018 earlier.
Mark (06:11):
Yes, the study by Hallberg and colleagues published in
Diabetes Therapy.
They followed people with type2 diabetes on a supervised keto
diet for a year.
The results were striking.
Rachel (06:19):
What did they find?
Mark (06:20):
Get this 94% of the participants who started on
insulin were able to eitherreduce their dose or stop taking
it completely 94%.
And 60% achieved an HbA1c.
That's the measure of long-termblood sugar control below the
diagnostic threshold fordiabetes without any diabetes
meds.
Rachel (06:40):
So effectively.
Their diabetes was in remissionby that measure.
Mark (06:44):
And clinically over half more than 50 percent met the
criteria for diabetes reversalbased on their diagnosis.
Rachel (06:50):
That's incredible.
Really challenges the oldnarrative.
Were there other benefitsbesides blood sugar?
Mark (06:56):
Absolutely.
Research, including that study,consistently shows other
positive metabolic changesThings like lower triglycerides
that's a type of fat in theblood you don't want too high
and often an increase in HDLcholesterol the good cholesterol
Plus, as we mentioned,significant loss of visceral fat
, which is so metabolicallydamaging.
Improvements in blood pressureare also commonly seen.
(07:17):
These are often measuredtogether in what's called a
lipid profile.
Rachel (07:21):
And even major organizations are starting to
acknowledge this right, Like theAmerican Diabetes Association.
Mark (07:27):
Yes, the ADA now recognizes low-carbohydrate
diets, including keto, as aviable option for managing type
2 diabetes.
It's seen as a strategyparticularly for people aiming
to reduce medication use andimprove blood sugar.
Rachel (07:41):
That recognition feels significant.
Mark (07:43):
It shows a shift in mainstream thinking,
acknowledging the potentialpower of these dietary
approaches beyond just standardadvice.
Rachel (07:51):
And that word again remission.
It just sounds so hopefulcompared to the traditional
outlook.
Mark (07:56):
It really is.
For decades, achievingremission without surgery or
very intensive drug therapyseemed almost impossible for
most.
Keto is showing that for manyit might be achievable through
diet and lifestyle changes.
It's a paradigm shift.
Rachel (08:09):
So let's dig a bit more into that research base.
You've highlighted a couple ofkey studies.
Are the findings generallyconsistent?
Mark (08:16):
Yes, Over the last, say, 10 years or so, the volume of
research has really grown, andconsistently.
Studies report improvements inblood sugar control, better
insulin sensitivity, significantweight loss and favorable
changes in lipids triglyceridesdown, HDL up.
Rachel (08:30):
And supervision seems important.
Mark (08:32):
It does seem that the best results and the safest
implementation happen when it'sdone under clinical supervision,
especially if someone is onmedication.
Rachel (08:42):
Let's go back to that Virta health study you mentioned
.
What were the specific numbersthere?
Mark (08:46):
Right the 2018 VRTIS study also in diabetes therapy.
They saw average HbA1c dropfrom 7.6 percent down to 6.3
percent.
That's a big move out of thetypical diabetic range.
Rachel (08:58):
Huge improvement.
Mark (08:59):
And again that striking number 94 percent of insulin
users reduced or stopped theirinsulin and over half met the
criteria for diabetes reversal.
They also noted weight loss andbetter liver enzyme levels.
Rachel (09:11):
Which suggests better liver health potential?
Mark (09:14):
Potentially yes.
Reducing litter fat is oftenreflected in those enzyme levels
.
Rachel (09:18):
And wasn't there an older study comparing keto to a
low-fat diet?
Mark (09:21):
Yes, back in 2005, yancey and colleagues published in
Nutrition and Metabolism.
They compared keto to astandard low-fat,
calorie-restricted diet.
The keto group saw greaterimprovements in fasting, glucose
, triglycerides and HDL.
Rachel (09:34):
And medication use.
Mark (09:35):
They also had greater reductions in diabetes
medication needs compared to thelow-fat group.
Rachel (09:40):
And it's not just single studies, but analyses of
multiple studies too.
Mark (09:43):
Correct Meta-analyses, which pool data from several
trials, generally support thesefindings.
A 2017 analysis by Snorgaard,for example, concluded that
low-carb and keto diets oftenlead to greater reductions in
HbA1c and insulin levelscompared to more conventional
dietary advice for type 2diabetes.
Rachel (10:03):
So acknowledging that everyone's different and
sticking with it matters, theoverall scientific picture looks
quite promising for actuallyturning diabetes around, not
just managing it.
Mark (10:12):
I think that's a very fair summary of where the evidence
is pointing right now.
It's a potentiallytransformative approach for many
.
Rachel (10:18):
OK, the science is compelling, let's get practical.
If someone is thinking allright, maybe I should look into
this, what does eating ketoactually involve day to day?
What are the eat this, not thatbasics?
Mark (10:30):
The foundation is really shifting to whole unprocessed
nutrient-rich foods, while beingsuper strict about keeping
those carbs under about 50 gramsa day.
Rachel (10:39):
Okay, so what should be on the shopping list?
What are the keto staples?
Mark (10:43):
Lots of non-starchy vegetables Think spinach, kale,
broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini,asparagus.
They're packed with nutrientsbut low in carbs.
Rachel (10:51):
Good fiber source too.
Mark (10:53):
Definitely, then healthy fats are key Olive oil, avocado
oil, avocados themselves, butter, ghee, coconut oil.
Fatty fish like salmon,mackerel, sardines are fantastic
.
Great omega-3s Okay.
Meat and poultry, beef, lamb,chicken, turkey ideally
grass-fed or pasture-raised, ifyou can.
(11:13):
Eggs are a keto powerhouse.
Rachel (11:16):
Versatile.
Mark (11:16):
Very Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia flax,
good fats and fiber, but you doneed to watch portions as carbs
can add up.
Rachel (11:24):
Moderation there.
Mark (11:25):
Yep, some dairy can fit like cheese.
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt,heavy cream and, of course,
herbs and spices for flavorgarlic, turmeric, cinnamon,
oregano, basil.
They add a lot without addingcarbs.
Rachel (11:35):
It sounds like a pretty satisfying way to eat, honestly,
lots of real food.
Mark (11:39):
It absolutely can be.
It's about fueling your bodywith fat and protein, keeping
you full, supporting ketosis andhelping insulin sensitivity.
Rachel (11:46):
Now the flip side.
What are the big things toavoid the carb culprits?
Mark (11:49):
This is where the diligence comes in.
Obvious ones first.
Sugar Soda juice, candy,desserts basically anything
sweet is out Makes sense.
Grains and starches are majorcarb sources, so bread, pasta,
rice, cereal, oats, corn thoseneed to go.
Most fruits are too high insugar, especially things like
(12:10):
bananas, grapes, apples.
Dried fruit is veryconcentrated in sugar.
Small amounts of berries mightbe okay for some, but you have
to be careful.
Rachel (12:18):
Berries are lower GI.
Mark (12:20):
Generally lower.
Yes, but still count towardsyour carb limit.
Legumes, beans, lentils, peasAlso tend to be too high in
carbs for strict keto.
Rachel (12:29):
What about processed stuff?
Mark (12:31):
Big category to watch.
Avoid low-fat or fat-freeproducts.
They often swap fat for sugar.
Processed snacks like chips,crackers, granola bars are
usually loaded with carbs andunhealthy oils.
And speaking of oils, yeah, tryto limit vegetable oils high in
omega-6s, like soybean, corn,sunflower oil.
Stick to the healthier fats welisted earlier.
Rachel (12:49):
So reading labels becomes super important.
You really have to check forhidden sugars and carb counts.
Mark (12:53):
Absolutely critical.
Even things labeled low-carb ordiabetic-friendly can sometimes
have surprising amounts ofcarbs or sugar alcohols that
affect people differently.
Using a tracking app or just afood journal, especially when
you're starting, can beincredibly helpful to see where
carbs are sneaking in and howfoods affect your blood sugar.
Rachel (13:12):
Okay.
So you've got the food figuredout.
You're ready to start.
What are the crucial safetytips and considerations,
especially for someone with type2 diabetes?
Mark (13:20):
This is probably the most important part.
Careful planning is essential,particularly if you're on any
glucose-lowering medications.
Rachel (13:27):
Because cutting carbs can lower blood sugar fast.
Mark (13:29):
Exactly, sometimes within days.
This creates a real risk ofhypoglycemia.
Dangerously low blood sugar ifyour medication doses aren't
adjusted downwards appropriately.
Rachel (13:39):
So number one rule talk to your doctor before you start.
Mark (13:42):
Absolutely non-negotiable.
You must consult yourhealthcare provider or diabetes
team.
They need to assess if keto issafe for you and, crucially,
they need to guide you onadjusting medications like
insulin or sulfonylureas.
These are the ones most likelyto cause lows when carbs are cut
.
Rachel (13:59):
And they'll probably want you checking your blood
sugar more often.
Mark (14:01):
Definitely Expect to monitor your glucose much more
frequently, especially in thefirst few weeks, coast much more
frequently, especially in thefirst few weeks.
They'll also likely want followup lab works, HbA1c lipids,
maybe kidney and liver functiontests to track your progress and
safety.
Remember that Virta healthstudy Nearly everyone needed med
adjustments quickly.
This needs medical supervision.
Rachel (14:22):
OK, what about the keto flu?
Is that a real thing?
Mark (14:25):
It is for some people.
Yes, it's a collection oftemporary symptoms like fatigue,
headache, maybe some dizziness,muscle cramps, irritability.
It usually happens in the firstweek or so as your body adapts.
Rachel (14:37):
What causes?
Mark (14:37):
it.
It's thought to be mainly dueto shifts in electrolytes and
water balance.
As your body switches, fuelsources and glycogen stores
deplete.
The good news is it typicallypasses within a few days to a
week.
Rachel (14:49):
Any tips to manage it?
Mark (14:50):
Hydration is key.
Drink plenty of water.
Adding lycrolites can helpsignificantly think sodium like
sipping broth, potassium andmagnesium.
Eating enough healthy fatprovides energy during the
transition too.
Rachel (15:02):
And how do you know if it's working beyond just feeling
okay after the initial phase?
Mark (15:07):
Monitoring Again.
Use your glucometer or CGMregularly to see the impact on
your blood sugar levels.
Some people also like tomeasure blood ketone levels
using a ketone meter.
This confirms you're actuallyin ketosis.
Measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Rachel (15:21):
And you might see changes pretty quickly.
Mark (15:23):
Many people with type 2 diabetes notice improvements in
their glucose readings, bothfasting and after meals.
Within maybe two to six weeks,Insulin levels often start
coming down too.
Rachel (15:33):
One more thing here Is keto, something you have to do
forever.
Mark (15:37):
Not necessarily.
It really depends on theindividual and their goals.
Some people thrive on it longterm.
For others it might be ashorter term therapeutic tool,
maybe six months a year, twoyears to really reset their
metabolism, reverse insulinresistance, lose weight and get
off meds.
And then maybe transition tocarefully reintroduce small
(15:59):
amounts of nutrient-dense carbswhile still maintaining good
metabolic health.
It's all about personalization,ongoing monitoring and finding
what's sustainable for you.
Rachel (16:09):
Okay.
So while it sounds promising,are there cases where keto just
isn't a good fit or needs extracaution.
People worry about effects onthe liver or kidneys sometimes.
Mark (16:19):
That's a really valid point and it's crucial to
discuss.
No diet is right for everyoneand those concerns about liver
and kidney health are common,but we need to look at the
current evidence.
Rachel (16:30):
All right, let's tackle the liver first.
The idea of a high-fat dietdoes it strain the liver?
Mark (16:36):
It's interesting because the newer research is actually
suggesting the opposite for manypeople, particularly those with
non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease or NAFLD.
Rachel (16:45):
Which is common with type 2 diabetes.
Mark (16:47):
Very common, often driven by the same insulin resistance.
Studies are showing thatlow-carb, high-fat diets,
including keto, can actuallyreduce the amount of fat stored
in the liver and improve liverenzyme levels.
Rachel (16:58):
How does that work?
Mark (17:00):
Well, researchers like Dr Robert Lustig argue that it's
often excess carbohydrates,especially fructose, that drive
fat accumulation in the liverand contribute to insulin
resistance there.
By removing those sugars andrefined carbs and reducing
overall liver fat through fatburning, keto might actually
help liver function.
Rachel (17:19):
So less fat in the liver , potentially better function.
Mark (17:22):
Exactly.
A 2016 meta-analysis foundlow-carb diets reduced liver fat
in NFLD patients, without signsof liver injury.
Another trial showedketo-improved liver function
markers.
So the old assumption isn'tnecessarily holding up.
Rachel (17:37):
Okay, what about the kidneys?
That's another frequent concern, often linked to protein intake
.
Mark (17:41):
Okay, what about the kidneys?
That's another frequent concern, often linked to protein intake
.
Right, the worry is often abouthigh protein, but a
well-formulated keto diet istypically moderate in protein,
not high.
That said, if someone alreadyhas diagnosed kidney disease,
then yes, careful monitoring isabsolutely essential.
Rachel (17:54):
And how we measure kidney function matters too.
Mark (17:56):
It does.
The common blood test serum,creatinine, can be influenced by
things like muscle mass or evenmeat intake.
It might not be the bestindicator, especially for early
issues.
Rachel (18:05):
Is there a better marker ?
Mark (18:06):
There's growing interest in using cystatin C.
It's another protein filteredby the kidneys, but levels are
less affected by muscle mass ordiet.
Estimating kidney function orGFR using cystatin C might give
a more accurate picture,especially in detecting early
decline.
Research in the New EnglandJournal of Medicine supports
this.
Rachel (18:26):
So again, it's more about accurate monitoring than
automatic exclusion.
Mark (18:30):
Precisely, Instead of just saying no keto.
If you have kidney concerns,the approach should be work with
your doctor.
Use the best available testslike cystatin C alongside
standard tests, and monitorclosely.
Rachel (18:42):
Got it.
Are there any specific groupsof people where keto generally
needs modification or very closesupervision?
Mark (18:48):
Yes, definitely.
People with type 1 diabetesneed extremely careful
management to avoid DKA,diabetic ketoacidosis, which is
dangerous.
Pregnant or breastfeeding womenhave higher nutrient needs that
might be hard to meetconsistently on keto.
Anyone with a history of eatingdisorders should be cautious as
the restrictive nature could betriggering without therapeutic
support and maybe athletes doingvery high intensity or long
(19:11):
duration exercise might findthey need more carbs, sometimes
maybe using a cyclical ortargeted keto approach.
Rachel (19:17):
So the big message is personalization, work with your
team, use the right tests,tailor it to your situation.
Mark (19:23):
That's exactly it.
Individualization, appropriatelab testing including things
like cystatin C and liver panelsand clinical guidance are key
to doing this safely andeffectively.
Rachel (19:33):
This has been incredibly thorough, Thank you.
So, to kind of wrap this all up, one of the main takeaways for
our listeners about keto andtype 2 diabetes maybe just recap
those key study findingsquickly too.
Mark (19:44):
Okay, so the Hallberg study 94% insulin reduction,
elimination, 60% HbA1c belowdiabetic threshold, over 50%
remission.
Rachel (19:53):
Impressive.
Mark (19:53):
Virta Health study Similar findings HbA1c dropped from 7.6
to 6.3, 94% insulin reduction.
Over 50% reversal criteria metYancey's older study.
Keto better than low fat forglucose lipids med reduction and
the meta-analyses confirm ketooften outperforms standard diets
for lowering HbA1c and insulin.
Rachel (20:15):
Okay, so the big picture .
Mark (20:16):
The big picture is that the ketogenic diet is a potent
metabolic intervention for manywith type 2 diabetes.
By cutting carbs, promoting fatburning and lowering insulin
demand, it directly targetsinsulin resistance.
Rachel (20:29):
Leading to tangible benefits.
Mark (20:31):
Yes, Better blood sugar control.
Reduced or eliminatedmedication needs potential
weight loss and, importantly,clinical studies show it can
lead to partial or even fullremission for a significant
number of people.
Results vary, Consistencymatters, but the potential is
undeniable.
Rachel (20:46):
And always, always, with medical guidance first.
Mark (20:49):
Cannot stress that enough, especially if you're on
glucose-lowering meds, talk toyour doctor, monitor closely,
adjust meds as needed.
It's crucial for safety.
And remember the concerns aboutliver-kidney health are being
re-evaluated, with newer datasuggesting potential liver
benefits and better ways tomonitor kidney function, like
cystatin C, and for trackingprogress you mentioned a
(21:10):
resource.
Yes, Services like QuickLabMobile offer in-home testing for
things like fasting insulin,HbA1c lipids, cystatin C, liver
enzymes.
It can empower you to trackyour own metabolic health and
work with your doctor topersonalize your approach.
Rachel (21:24):
So really, when done right, keto isn't just a fad.
It can be a legitimate strategyfor better energy, fewer drugs,
maybe even a completelydifferent trajectory for life
with type 2 diabetes.
Mark (21:35):
That sums it up well and just the necessary reminder.
Everything we've discussed isfor educational purposes.
It is absolutely not medicaladvice and it doesn't create a
doctor-patient relationship.
Always consult your ownqualified healthcare provider
for any health concerns orbefore making any changes to
your diet or treatment.
Don't rely solely on this info.
If you have symptoms, seekmedical help immediately.
(21:56):
Call 911 in an emergency.
We're not liable for outcomesbased on this discussion.
External links aren'tendorsements.
Your health is unique.
Prioritize professional medicaladvice.
Rachel (22:05):
So a final thought for you listening has today's
conversation maybe challengedyour view on managing type 2
diabetes?
Given the research on remissionand reducing medications with
approaches like keto, is itworth having a new conversation
with your doctor about whatmight be possible for you?
Mark (22:22):
We hope this deep dive is giving you valuable food for
thought.
It's really just the beginning.
We encourage you to keepexploring, talk to your provider
, maybe even look up some of theresearch we touched on.
Rachel (22:32):
Because, ultimately, understanding these options
empowers you to take a moreactive role in your own health
journey.
Nicolette (22:47):
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Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
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covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Rachel (00:21):
You know, for such a long time it really felt like
the narrative around type 2diabetes was kind of fixed.
You know a condition you managemostly with meds and it often
gets worse over time.
Mark (00:31):
That was definitely the prevailing view for years.
Manage the symptoms, controlthe numbers as best you can.
Rachel (00:37):
But things are shifting right.
There's this growing buzz andactual research now suggesting
that maybe it doesn't have to bethat way.
We're seeing talk of majorimprovements, even remission.
Mark (00:47):
Exactly Remission, meaning people actually getting their
blood sugar back into anon-diabetic range without
needing the medications theywere on before.
Some studies are showing reallyimpressive numbers, like over
half the participants achievingthis.
Rachel (01:01):
Which is huge.
It's moving away from justmanaging towards potentially
reversing the underlying issues.
Mark (01:06):
It's a return to focusing on root causes, particularly
metabolic dysfunction, and howlifestyle, especially diet, can
fundamentally change things.
Rachel (01:15):
And right in the middle of this conversation is the
ketogenic diet, keto.
It's getting a ton of attention.
It really is so.
For anyone not you know superdeep into this already.
Keto basically means cuttingcarbs way, way down.
Mark (01:29):
Drastically.
Rachel (01:30):
And bringing healthy fats way up.
The idea is to push your bodyinto something called ketosis.
Okay, so what's ketosis?
Mark (01:36):
again, Ketosis is where your body shifts its main fuel
source.
Instead of running primarily onglucose, which comes from carbs
, it starts burning fat andproducing ketones for energy.
Rachel (01:48):
Burning fat for fuel Okay, and the potential payoff
for someone with type 2 diabetescould be pretty significant.
Mark (01:55):
That's what the research is pointing towards.
We're talking potentially lowerblood sugar, better insulin
sensitivity, how well your cellsactually listen to insulin.
Rachel (02:03):
Which is the core problem in type 2.
Right.
Mark (02:06):
It's a huge part of it.
Yes, yeah.
And that can lead to needingless medication, sometimes even
none.
Plus, there are often benefitsfor weight management too.
Rachel (02:14):
Okay, but let's be honest looking into keto can
feel overwhelming.
There's so much info, so manyopinions.
Mark (02:20):
It can definitely feel like wading through jargon
sometimes.
Rachel (02:23):
So that's what we want to do today.
Opinions it can definitely feellike wading through jargon
sometimes, so that's what wewant to do today.
This deep dive is about cuttingthrough that noise.
We want to give you a clear,practical guide.
How does keto actually work fortype 2 diabetes?
What should you eat?
How do you start safely?
Mark (02:36):
And, importantly, grounded in the science.
We'll look at what the studiesare actually showing.
Rachel (02:41):
Think of it as your roadmap to understanding the
essentials without getting lostin the weeds.
Mark (02:46):
We want to make this actionable, give you insights
you can actually use if you'reconsidering this path.
Rachel (02:51):
All right, perfect.
So let's start right at thebeginning.
What is the keto dietfundamentally?
Mark (02:56):
Fundamentally, it's a dietary pattern defined by being
very low in carbohydrates,moderate in protein and high in
fat.
The goal, as we said, is totrigger that metabolic shift to
using ketones for energy insteadof glucose.
Rachel (03:09):
And that state is ketosis.
You get there by reallylimiting the carbs.
Mark (03:14):
Exactly when carb intake drops low enough usually under
50 grams a day, sometimes evenlower your liver starts breaking
down fats both from your dietand body stores into these
molecules called ketone bodies.
Rachel (03:26):
And those become the main fuel.
Mark (03:28):
They become the primary fuel source for many tissues,
including the brain, whichusually relies heavily on
glucose.
Rachel (03:34):
Okay, so in terms of like percentages on your plate,
what does that look like?
I think I saw some figures fromHarvard.
Mark (03:40):
Yeah, the typical breakdown often cited is around
70 to 75 percent of caloriescoming from fat, then protein is
maybe 20 to 25 percent andcarbs are really low, just 5 to
10 percent of total calories.
Rachel (03:51):
Now, OK, that's.
That's really different fromhow most people eat, isn't it?
The standard diet is muchhigher in carbs.
Mark (03:57):
Absolutely.
A typical Western diet mightget 45 to 65 percent of calories
from carbs.
So keto is a major departureand that strict carb restriction
, keeping it consistently belowthat 50 gram threshold, that's
the trigger for ketosis.
Rachel (04:11):
Right.
So the body adapts, startsburning fat.
Why is this metabolic switchpotentially so helpful for type
2 diabetes?
Mark (04:19):
Well, it hits several key areas.
Lowering carbs naturally lowersblood sugar.
Less blood sugar means lessneed for insulin.
This reduces the strain on thepancreas.
Over time, cells can becomeless resistant, more sensitive
to insulin again.
Plus, burning fat can lead toweight loss, especially that
harmful visceral fat around theorgans.
Rachel (04:39):
That deep abdominal fat.
Mark (04:41):
Exactly the fat strongly linked to insulin resistance and
inflammation.
And this isn't just theory.
We're seeing clinical researchbacking this up for managing and
, as we mentioned, potentiallyreversing type 2 diabetes.
Rachel (04:53):
Which leads us right into the next big question how
does keto actually affect themechanics of type 2 diabetes?
Mark (05:01):
Okay.
So type 2 diabetesfundamentally is a state of
insulin resistance.
Your cells don't respondproperly to insulin, so sugar
can't easily get from your bloodinto the cells to be used for
energy.
This causes blood sugar to rise.
Rachel (05:14):
Right Insulin is like the key, but the locks are
jammed.
Mark (05:17):
That's a good analogy.
Now, the keto diet tackles thishead on because by drastically
reducing carbohydrate intake,you dramatically reduce the
amount of sugar entering yourbloodstream in the first place.
Rachel (05:27):
Less sugar coming in means less sugar needs to be
managed.
Mark (05:30):
Precisely, your blood glucose levels naturally tend to
decrease and because there'sless sugar to deal with, your
body doesn't need to pump out asmuch insulin.
Rachel (05:39):
So the pancreas gets a bit of a rest.
Mark (05:42):
It does, and with lower circulating insulin levels over
time, reducing what we callhyperinsulinemia, your cells can
actually start to regain theirsensitivity to the insulin that
is present.
The locks start to unjam, ifyou will.
Rachel (05:55):
So you get better blood sugar control overall.
Mark (05:57):
Yes, improved glycemic control and potentially you're
addressing that root causeinsulin resistance.
Rachel (06:04):
And the impact can be pretty dramatic based on some of
the studies.
I think you mentioned one from2018 earlier.
Mark (06:11):
Yes, the study by Hallberg and colleagues published in
Diabetes Therapy.
They followed people with type2 diabetes on a supervised keto
diet for a year.
The results were striking.
Rachel (06:19):
What did they find?
Mark (06:20):
Get this 94% of the participants who started on
insulin were able to eitherreduce their dose or stop taking
it completely 94%.
And 60% achieved an HbA1c.
That's the measure of long-termblood sugar control below the
diagnostic threshold fordiabetes without any diabetes
meds.
Rachel (06:40):
So effectively.
Their diabetes was in remissionby that measure.
Mark (06:44):
And clinically over half more than 50 percent met the
criteria for diabetes reversalbased on their diagnosis.
Rachel (06:50):
That's incredible.
Really challenges the oldnarrative.
Were there other benefitsbesides blood sugar?
Mark (06:56):
Absolutely.
Research, including that study,consistently shows other
positive metabolic changesThings like lower triglycerides
that's a type of fat in theblood you don't want too high
and often an increase in HDLcholesterol the good cholesterol
Plus, as we mentioned,significant loss of visceral fat
, which is so metabolicallydamaging.
Improvements in blood pressureare also commonly seen.
(07:17):
These are often measuredtogether in what's called a
lipid profile.
Rachel (07:21):
And even major organizations are starting to
acknowledge this right, Like theAmerican Diabetes Association.
Mark (07:27):
Yes, the ADA now recognizes low-carbohydrate
diets, including keto, as aviable option for managing type
2 diabetes.
It's seen as a strategyparticularly for people aiming
to reduce medication use andimprove blood sugar.
Rachel (07:41):
That recognition feels significant.
Mark (07:43):
It shows a shift in mainstream thinking,
acknowledging the potentialpower of these dietary
approaches beyond just standardadvice.
Rachel (07:51):
And that word again remission.
It just sounds so hopefulcompared to the traditional
outlook.
Mark (07:56):
It really is.
For decades, achievingremission without surgery or
very intensive drug therapyseemed almost impossible for
most.
Keto is showing that for manyit might be achievable through
diet and lifestyle changes.
It's a paradigm shift.
Rachel (08:09):
So let's dig a bit more into that research base.
You've highlighted a couple ofkey studies.
Are the findings generallyconsistent?
Mark (08:16):
Yes, Over the last, say, 10 years or so, the volume of
research has really grown, andconsistently.
Studies report improvements inblood sugar control, better
insulin sensitivity, significantweight loss and favorable
changes in lipids triglyceridesdown, HDL up.
Rachel (08:30):
And supervision seems important.
Mark (08:32):
It does seem that the best results and the safest
implementation happen when it'sdone under clinical supervision,
especially if someone is onmedication.
Rachel (08:42):
Let's go back to that Virta health study you mentioned
.
What were the specific numbersthere?
Mark (08:46):
Right the 2018 VRTIS study also in diabetes therapy.
They saw average HbA1c dropfrom 7.6 percent down to 6.3
percent.
That's a big move out of thetypical diabetic range.
Rachel (08:58):
Huge improvement.
Mark (08:59):
And again that striking number 94 percent of insulin
users reduced or stopped theirinsulin and over half met the
criteria for diabetes reversal.
They also noted weight loss andbetter liver enzyme levels.
Rachel (09:11):
Which suggests better liver health potential?
Mark (09:14):
Potentially yes.
Reducing litter fat is oftenreflected in those enzyme levels
.
Rachel (09:18):
And wasn't there an older study comparing keto to a
low-fat diet?
Mark (09:21):
Yes, back in 2005, yancey and colleagues published in
Nutrition and Metabolism.
They compared keto to astandard low-fat,
calorie-restricted diet.
The keto group saw greaterimprovements in fasting, glucose
, triglycerides and HDL.
Rachel (09:34):
And medication use.
Mark (09:35):
They also had greater reductions in diabetes
medication needs compared to thelow-fat group.
Rachel (09:40):
And it's not just single studies, but analyses of
multiple studies too.
Mark (09:43):
Correct Meta-analyses, which pool data from several
trials, generally support thesefindings.
A 2017 analysis by Snorgaard,for example, concluded that
low-carb and keto diets oftenlead to greater reductions in
HbA1c and insulin levelscompared to more conventional
dietary advice for type 2diabetes.
Rachel (10:03):
So acknowledging that everyone's different and
sticking with it matters, theoverall scientific picture looks
quite promising for actuallyturning diabetes around, not
just managing it.
Mark (10:12):
I think that's a very fair summary of where the evidence
is pointing right now.
It's a potentiallytransformative approach for many
.
Rachel (10:18):
OK, the science is compelling, let's get practical.
If someone is thinking allright, maybe I should look into
this, what does eating ketoactually involve day to day?
What are the eat this, not thatbasics?
Mark (10:30):
The foundation is really shifting to whole unprocessed
nutrient-rich foods, while beingsuper strict about keeping
those carbs under about 50 gramsa day.
Rachel (10:39):
Okay, so what should be on the shopping list?
What are the keto staples?
Mark (10:43):
Lots of non-starchy vegetables Think spinach, kale,
broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini,asparagus.
They're packed with nutrientsbut low in carbs.
Rachel (10:51):
Good fiber source too.
Mark (10:53):
Definitely, then healthy fats are key Olive oil, avocado
oil, avocados themselves, butter, ghee, coconut oil.
Fatty fish like salmon,mackerel, sardines are fantastic
.
Great omega-3s Okay.
Meat and poultry, beef, lamb,chicken, turkey ideally
grass-fed or pasture-raised, ifyou can.
(11:13):
Eggs are a keto powerhouse.
Rachel (11:16):
Versatile.
Mark (11:16):
Very Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia flax,
good fats and fiber, but you doneed to watch portions as carbs
can add up.
Rachel (11:24):
Moderation there.
Mark (11:25):
Yep, some dairy can fit like cheese.
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt,heavy cream and, of course,
herbs and spices for flavorgarlic, turmeric, cinnamon,
oregano, basil.
They add a lot without addingcarbs.
Rachel (11:35):
It sounds like a pretty satisfying way to eat, honestly,
lots of real food.
Mark (11:39):
It absolutely can be.
It's about fueling your bodywith fat and protein, keeping
you full, supporting ketosis andhelping insulin sensitivity.
Rachel (11:46):
Now the flip side.
What are the big things toavoid the carb culprits?
Mark (11:49):
This is where the diligence comes in.
Obvious ones first.
Sugar Soda juice, candy,desserts basically anything
sweet is out Makes sense.
Grains and starches are majorcarb sources, so bread, pasta,
rice, cereal, oats, corn thoseneed to go.
Most fruits are too high insugar, especially things like
(12:10):
bananas, grapes, apples.
Dried fruit is veryconcentrated in sugar.
Small amounts of berries mightbe okay for some, but you have
to be careful.
Rachel (12:18):
Berries are lower GI.
Mark (12:20):
Generally lower.
Yes, but still count towardsyour carb limit.
Legumes, beans, lentils, peasAlso tend to be too high in
carbs for strict keto.
Rachel (12:29):
What about processed stuff?
Mark (12:31):
Big category to watch.
Avoid low-fat or fat-freeproducts.
They often swap fat for sugar.
Processed snacks like chips,crackers, granola bars are
usually loaded with carbs andunhealthy oils.
And speaking of oils, yeah, tryto limit vegetable oils high in
omega-6s, like soybean, corn,sunflower oil.
Stick to the healthier fats welisted earlier.
Rachel (12:49):
So reading labels becomes super important.
You really have to check forhidden sugars and carb counts.
Mark (12:53):
Absolutely critical.
Even things labeled low-carb ordiabetic-friendly can sometimes
have surprising amounts ofcarbs or sugar alcohols that
affect people differently.
Using a tracking app or just afood journal, especially when
you're starting, can beincredibly helpful to see where
carbs are sneaking in and howfoods affect your blood sugar.
Rachel (13:12):
Okay.
So you've got the food figuredout.
You're ready to start.
What are the crucial safetytips and considerations,
especially for someone with type2 diabetes?
Mark (13:20):
This is probably the most important part.
Careful planning is essential,particularly if you're on any
glucose-lowering medications.
Rachel (13:27):
Because cutting carbs can lower blood sugar fast.
Mark (13:29):
Exactly, sometimes within days.
This creates a real risk ofhypoglycemia.
Dangerously low blood sugar ifyour medication doses aren't
adjusted downwards appropriately.
Rachel (13:39):
So number one rule talk to your doctor before you start.
Mark (13:42):
Absolutely non-negotiable.
You must consult yourhealthcare provider or diabetes
team.
They need to assess if keto issafe for you and, crucially,
they need to guide you onadjusting medications like
insulin or sulfonylureas.
These are the ones most likelyto cause lows when carbs are cut
.
Rachel (13:59):
And they'll probably want you checking your blood
sugar more often.
Mark (14:01):
Definitely Expect to monitor your glucose much more
frequently, especially in thefirst few weeks, coast much more
frequently, especially in thefirst few weeks.
They'll also likely want followup lab works, HbA1c lipids,
maybe kidney and liver functiontests to track your progress and
safety.
Remember that Virta healthstudy Nearly everyone needed med
adjustments quickly.
This needs medical supervision.
Rachel (14:22):
OK, what about the keto flu?
Is that a real thing?
Mark (14:25):
It is for some people.
Yes, it's a collection oftemporary symptoms like fatigue,
headache, maybe some dizziness,muscle cramps, irritability.
It usually happens in the firstweek or so as your body adapts.
Rachel (14:37):
What causes?
Mark (14:37):
it.
It's thought to be mainly dueto shifts in electrolytes and
water balance.
As your body switches, fuelsources and glycogen stores
deplete.
The good news is it typicallypasses within a few days to a
week.
Rachel (14:49):
Any tips to manage it?
Mark (14:50):
Hydration is key.
Drink plenty of water.
Adding lycrolites can helpsignificantly think sodium like
sipping broth, potassium andmagnesium.
Eating enough healthy fatprovides energy during the
transition too.
Rachel (15:02):
And how do you know if it's working beyond just feeling
okay after the initial phase?
Mark (15:07):
Monitoring Again.
Use your glucometer or CGMregularly to see the impact on
your blood sugar levels.
Some people also like tomeasure blood ketone levels
using a ketone meter.
This confirms you're actuallyin ketosis.
Measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Rachel (15:21):
And you might see changes pretty quickly.
Mark (15:23):
Many people with type 2 diabetes notice improvements in
their glucose readings, bothfasting and after meals.
Within maybe two to six weeks,Insulin levels often start
coming down too.
Rachel (15:33):
One more thing here Is keto, something you have to do
forever.
Mark (15:37):
Not necessarily.
It really depends on theindividual and their goals.
Some people thrive on it longterm.
For others it might be ashorter term therapeutic tool,
maybe six months a year, twoyears to really reset their
metabolism, reverse insulinresistance, lose weight and get
off meds.
And then maybe transition tocarefully reintroduce small
(15:59):
amounts of nutrient-dense carbswhile still maintaining good
metabolic health.
It's all about personalization,ongoing monitoring and finding
what's sustainable for you.
Rachel (16:09):
Okay.
So while it sounds promising,are there cases where keto just
isn't a good fit or needs extracaution.
People worry about effects onthe liver or kidneys sometimes.
Mark (16:19):
That's a really valid point and it's crucial to
discuss.
No diet is right for everyoneand those concerns about liver
and kidney health are common,but we need to look at the
current evidence.
Rachel (16:30):
All right, let's tackle the liver first.
The idea of a high-fat dietdoes it strain the liver?
Mark (16:36):
It's interesting because the newer research is actually
suggesting the opposite for manypeople, particularly those with
non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease or NAFLD.
Rachel (16:45):
Which is common with type 2 diabetes.
Mark (16:47):
Very common, often driven by the same insulin resistance.
Studies are showing thatlow-carb, high-fat diets,
including keto, can actuallyreduce the amount of fat stored
in the liver and improve liverenzyme levels.
Rachel (16:58):
How does that work?
Mark (17:00):
Well, researchers like Dr Robert Lustig argue that it's
often excess carbohydrates,especially fructose, that drive
fat accumulation in the liverand contribute to insulin
resistance there.
By removing those sugars andrefined carbs and reducing
overall liver fat through fatburning, keto might actually
help liver function.
Rachel (17:19):
So less fat in the liver , potentially better function.
Mark (17:22):
Exactly.
A 2016 meta-analysis foundlow-carb diets reduced liver fat
in NFLD patients, without signsof liver injury.
Another trial showedketo-improved liver function
markers.
So the old assumption isn'tnecessarily holding up.
Rachel (17:37):
Okay, what about the kidneys?
That's another frequent concern, often linked to protein intake
.
Mark (17:41):
Okay, what about the kidneys?
That's another frequent concern, often linked to protein intake
.
Right, the worry is often abouthigh protein, but a
well-formulated keto diet istypically moderate in protein,
not high.
That said, if someone alreadyhas diagnosed kidney disease,
then yes, careful monitoring isabsolutely essential.
Rachel (17:54):
And how we measure kidney function matters too.
Mark (17:56):
It does.
The common blood test serum,creatinine, can be influenced by
things like muscle mass or evenmeat intake.
It might not be the bestindicator, especially for early
issues.
Rachel (18:05):
Is there a better marker ?
Mark (18:06):
There's growing interest in using cystatin C.
It's another protein filteredby the kidneys, but levels are
less affected by muscle mass ordiet.
Estimating kidney function orGFR using cystatin C might give
a more accurate picture,especially in detecting early
decline.
Research in the New EnglandJournal of Medicine supports
this.
Rachel (18:26):
So again, it's more about accurate monitoring than
automatic exclusion.
Mark (18:30):
Precisely, Instead of just saying no keto.
If you have kidney concerns,the approach should be work with
your doctor.
Use the best available testslike cystatin C alongside
standard tests, and monitorclosely.
Rachel (18:42):
Got it.
Are there any specific groupsof people where keto generally
needs modification or very closesupervision?
Mark (18:48):
Yes, definitely.
People with type 1 diabetesneed extremely careful
management to avoid DKA,diabetic ketoacidosis, which is
dangerous.
Pregnant or breastfeeding womenhave higher nutrient needs that
might be hard to meetconsistently on keto.
Anyone with a history of eatingdisorders should be cautious as
the restrictive nature could betriggering without therapeutic
support and maybe athletes doingvery high intensity or long
(19:11):
duration exercise might findthey need more carbs, sometimes
maybe using a cyclical ortargeted keto approach.
Rachel (19:17):
So the big message is personalization, work with your
team, use the right tests,tailor it to your situation.
Mark (19:23):
That's exactly it.
Individualization, appropriatelab testing including things
like cystatin C and liver panelsand clinical guidance are key
to doing this safely andeffectively.
Rachel (19:33):
This has been incredibly thorough, Thank you.
So, to kind of wrap this all up, one of the main takeaways for
our listeners about keto andtype 2 diabetes maybe just recap
those key study findingsquickly too.
Mark (19:44):
Okay, so the Hallberg study 94% insulin reduction,
elimination, 60% HbA1c belowdiabetic threshold, over 50%
remission.
Rachel (19:53):
Impressive.
Mark (19:53):
Virta Health study Similar findings HbA1c dropped from 7.6
to 6.3, 94% insulin reduction.
Over 50% reversal criteria metYancey's older study.
Keto better than low fat forglucose lipids med reduction and
the meta-analyses confirm ketooften outperforms standard diets
for lowering HbA1c and insulin.
Rachel (20:15):
Okay, so the big picture .
Mark (20:16):
The big picture is that the ketogenic diet is a potent
metabolic intervention for manywith type 2 diabetes.
By cutting carbs, promoting fatburning and lowering insulin
demand, it directly targetsinsulin resistance.
Rachel (20:29):
Leading to tangible benefits.
Mark (20:31):
Yes, Better blood sugar control.
Reduced or eliminatedmedication needs potential
weight loss and, importantly,clinical studies show it can
lead to partial or even fullremission for a significant
number of people.
Results vary, Consistencymatters, but the potential is
undeniable.
Rachel (20:46):
And always, always, with medical guidance first.
Mark (20:49):
Cannot stress that enough, especially if you're on
glucose-lowering meds, talk toyour doctor, monitor closely,
adjust meds as needed.
It's crucial for safety.
And remember the concerns aboutliver-kidney health are being
re-evaluated, with newer datasuggesting potential liver
benefits and better ways tomonitor kidney function, like
cystatin C, and for trackingprogress you mentioned a
(21:10):
resource.
Yes, Services like QuickLabMobile offer in-home testing for
things like fasting insulin,HbA1c lipids, cystatin C, liver
enzymes.
It can empower you to trackyour own metabolic health and
work with your doctor topersonalize your approach.
Rachel (21:24):
So really, when done right, keto isn't just a fad.
It can be a legitimate strategyfor better energy, fewer drugs,
maybe even a completelydifferent trajectory for life
with type 2 diabetes.
Mark (21:35):
That sums it up well and just the necessary reminder.
Everything we've discussed isfor educational purposes.
It is absolutely not medicaladvice and it doesn't create a
doctor-patient relationship.
Always consult your ownqualified healthcare provider
for any health concerns orbefore making any changes to
your diet or treatment.
Don't rely solely on this info.
If you have symptoms, seekmedical help immediately.
(21:56):
Call 911 in an emergency.
We're not liable for outcomesbased on this discussion.
External links aren'tendorsements.
Your health is unique.
Prioritize professional medicaladvice.
Rachel (22:05):
So a final thought for you listening has today's
conversation maybe challengedyour view on managing type 2
diabetes?
Given the research on remissionand reducing medications with
approaches like keto, is itworth having a new conversation
with your doctor about whatmight be possible for you?
Mark (22:22):
We hope this deep dive is giving you valuable food for
thought.
It's really just the beginning.
We encourage you to keepexploring, talk to your provider
, maybe even look up some of theresearch we touched on.
Rachel (22:32):
Because, ultimately, understanding these options
empowers you to take a moreactive role in your own health
journey.
Nicolette (22:47):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy andwe'll catch you in the next
episode.
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