Health Conditions Treatable by a Ketogenic Diet – Part 1

Here are 15 health conditions that may benefit from a ketogenic diet:

#1. Epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures due to excessive brain activity. Anti-seizure medications are effective for some people with epilepsy. However, others don’t respond to the drugs or can’t tolerate their side effects.

Of all the conditions that may benefit from a ketogenic diet, epilepsy has by far the most evidence supporting it. In fact, there are several dozen studies on the topic.

#2. Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, sometimes referred to as prediabetes, is characterized by insulin resistance. You can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you meet any 3 of these criteria:
Large waistline: 35 inches (89 cm) or higher in women and 40 inches (102 cm) or higher in men.
Elevated triglycerides: 150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/L) or higher.

Low HDL cholesterol: Less than 40 mg/dl (1.04 mmol/L) in men and less than 50 mg/dl (1.3 mmol/L) in women.
High blood pressure: 130/85 mm Hg or higher.
Elevated fasting blood sugar: 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L) or higher.

People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other serious disorders related to insulin resistance.

#3. Glycogen Storage Disease. People with glycogen storage disease (GSD) lack one of the enzymes involved in storing glucose (blood sugar) as glycogen or breaking glycogen down into glucose. There are several types of GSD, each based on the enzyme that is missing.

Typically, this disease is diagnosed in childhood. Symptoms vary depending on the type of GSD, and may include poor growth, fatigue, low blood sugar, muscle cramps and an enlarged liver.

#4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease marked by hormonal dysfunction that often results in irregular periods and infertility.

One of its hallmarks is insulin resistance, and many women with PCOS are obese and have a hard time losing weight. Women with PCOS are also at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

#5. Diabetes. People with diabetes often experience impressive reductions in blood sugar levels on a ketogenic diet. This is true of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Indeed, dozens of controlled studies show that a very low-carb diet helps control blood sugar and may also provide other health benefits.

In a 16-week study, 17 of 21 people on a ketogenic diet were able to discontinue or decrease diabetes medication dosage. Study participants also lost an average of 19 pounds (8.7 kg) and reduced their waist size, triglycerides and blood pressure.

In a 3-month study comparing a ketogenic diet to a moderate-carb diet, people in the ketogenic group averaged a 0.6% decrease in HbA1c. 12% of participants achieved an HbA1c below 5.7%, which is considered normal.

Bottom Line: Ketogenic diets have been shown to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. In some cases, values return to a normal range, and medications can be discontinued or reduced.

Part 1 of 3 parts.