Ketogenic Diet and Diabetes 2 Essay

Introduction

According to nutritionists, diabetes is one of the major causes of death in the world and the 6th in the United States where it affects over 30 million persons (Mckenzie et al., 2017). Professional medical researchers indicate that one in ten persons in America suffers from diabetes type 1 and 2, translating to over 30 million citizens. According to McKenzie et al., (2017), 90-95% of the Americans have type II diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 27 million Americans have diabetes and about 86 Americans suffer from pre-diabetes (McNamara, 2015). The study demand more research in the relationship between diet and diabetes. This literature review presents the theoretical framework for the ketogenic diet and diabetes 2 study as well as the previous studies done on roles of insulin, the process of ingestion, and diabetic diets.

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Functions of Insulin

Medical research indicates that diabetes 2 is caused by hereditary factors and poor nutrition (Mckenzie et al., 2017). Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition in which the processing of blood glucose is affected. The glucose molecule is used as a source of body energy. Hartwig and Hartwig (2015), identified that physicians could treat diabetes 2 however, some people are insulin resistant. The blood glucose regulation refers to the process through which the amounts of glucose are maintained in human blood. The blood glucose level for a normal person should be between 70 and 110 milligrams of glucose (Ramos, 2016). The pancreatic endocrine hormones, insulin, and glucagon are involved in controlling blood glucose levels in the blood. The processing of the blood glucose at times fails to materialize which results in sugar imbalances in the body. The two hormones are manufactured by the islet cells located in the pancreas. The insulin is secreted by the beta-pancreatic islets cells while glucagon is manufactured in pancreatic islets of alpha cells.

Level of Insulin in the body is significant in the control of blood glucose (Mckenzie et al., 2017). High blood glucose initiates secretion of insulin in the beta cells. At times, the beta cells secrete a lot of insulin to make glucose accessible to the cells. Eventually, the glucose concentrates in the blood vessels. The body cells such as the red blood and muscle cells fail to absorb glucose from the blood hence unable to reduce the glucose levels in the blood. Bad signals between the body cells disrupt the manufacture and utilization of blood glucose. At times the beta cells are damaged and therefore send out little or no amounts of glucose (Hartwig & Hartwig, 2015). Also, high amounts of blood sugar lead to the damage of the beta cells. High blood glucose levels in the blood lead to hyperglycemia and is a major cause of damage to vital tissues and organs such as the nerves, the heart, brain, and kidney.

Imbalances of sugar levels in the blood trigger corresponding processes to balance the situation (Gundry, 2017). When blood glucose is low, more secretion of glucagon occurs. The liver is stimulated to release the stored glucose into the blood. The other body cells are also induced to manufacture glucose from the proteins in the body. In case of high levels of blood glucose, no glucagon is secreted.

Ingestion of food

Ingestion refers to the process of taking in food substances into the digestive system through eating and drinking (William, 2016). Food is chewed in the mouth and broken into smaller units, through teeth action. The pieces of food are salivated and pushed to the back of the mouth by the tongue for swallowing. The food passes through the esophagus to the stomach. According to Hartwig and Hartwig (2015), various forms of food breakdown processes occur in the small and large intestines. Mechanical and chemical processes break the substances into smaller constituent portions that can be absorbed by the body. (William, 2016). Food is chewed in where the absorption process occurs.

Role of Ketogenic diet in diabetes 2 management

According to Hartwig and Hartwig, (2015), Ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate diet where the human body uses ketones as the primary source of energy. The liver secretes ketones through the breakdown of the stored fats. Ketosis maintains the body during low food intake sessions. McNamara, (2015) postulated that "there is no perfect diet for everyone or every condition." Keto diet is not an exception to this principle. Nevertheless, there are several solid kinds of research supporting benefits of a kinetic diet (Ramos, 2016). First, the body gains increased energy levels. Secondly, the patient experiences drastic weight loss. A diabetic diet is based on consuming a balanced diet thrice every day at regular intervals (Mckenzie et al., 2017). The nutritious diet enhances the utilization of medications. Professional dietitians are needed to set a diet plan based on the patients` occupation, goals and lifestyle habits.

Ketogenic diet contributes to control and management of glycemic levels (Ramos, 2016). Various foods have a different impact on the blood sugar levels. Diets containing low glycemic index have a low immediate impact on blood glucose levels and assists diabetics in maintaining blood glucose levels. Food substances bearing high index levels are not recommended for people with diabetes as they cause blood sugar imbalances. Always consume healthiest carbohydrates such as non-starchy vegetables, fruits, legumes and low-fat content dairy products. As a result, increased weight loss is witnessed by some patients. The improvements in the health of the patients dictate the medical practitioners to reduce the medications.

Several researchers have identified that nutrition education is significant for diabetes 2 nursing (William, 2016). Medical practitioners, hospital workers, and professional nutritionists should join hands to educate the victims on the proper modalities of dietary intake. The Virta Clinic based in America educates its diabetic clients to reduce carbohydrates intake and consume moderate proteins. Proteins act as bodybuilding foods but should be consumed moderately as they contain high amounts of fat. Excess proteins are reserved as body fat which is a common risk factor for diabetes 2. Metabolic and epigenetic processes result in nutritional ketosis. According to Virta Clinic nutritionists, food substances rich in fats should be consumed to satiety (McNamara, 2015). Food substances containing mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help in minimizing "bad cholesterol levels." McNamara, (2015) found that food substances such as avocados, almonds, pecans walnuts, olives, and peanuts help in reducing cholesterol levels. Such patients report increased hunger conditions attributed to ketogenic diet. Several researchers have identified that continuous hunger results to weight loss. The connection between the reduction in medications and weight loss results to economic considerations. The healthcare costs of the patients are reduced. After some time, the BMI increases which in turn causes an increase in health costs.

Medical studies in Virta Clinic highlight that it is possible to prevent and reserve type 2 diabetes through various digital medical interventions and home care programs (Hartwig & Hartwig, 2015). The health interventions include medical management strategies by physicians, regular physical exercises, educating effectively on the balanced diet, peer and behavioral support.

ADA recommended a diet for diabetics

A diabetic diet refers to the process of consuming moderate food substances and adhering to particular meal periods aimed at regulating blood sugar (Ramos, 2016). The diet should include essential micronutrients and minimal amounts of fats. Persons with diabetes or pre-diabetes are advised to consult a professional dietitian for the formulation of a healthy eating plan.

Medical organizations have varied diabetic diet programs (Mckenzie et al., 2017). The American Diabetes Association suggest that eating a balanced diet should have plenty of non-starchy vegetables. Food substances that are rich in all essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber should be part of a diabetic meal. Some of these food substances include non-starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes such as beans, peas, and whole grains. The American Diabetes Association recommends consumption of sweet potatoes as they lower insulin resistance hence lowering blood sugar levels. However, many Americans are still getting diabetes every year.

Several researchers have identified that diabetes increases the risk of suffering from other diseases and disorders (William, 2016). People with diabetes can easily suffer from cardiovascular ailments and mental disorders due to the clogging and hardening of the blood vessels particularly the arteries. They are advised to avoid various types of food substances. High-fat dairy products such as yogurt and cheese contain large volumes of saturated fats. Trans-fats commonly found in packed snacks and margarine should be avoided as well (Gundry, 2017).

Conclusion

Proper nutrition and nursing can reduce the high mortality rates attributed to diabetes through the provision of proper education and teaching to patients. Type 2 diabetes is one of the preventable and reversible diseases. Many medical practitioners care for diabetic patients and its comorbidities. Effective curative processes for these patients can lead to improved life both physically and psychologically. Medical staff and nutritionists can empower their clients to make essential lifestyle changes through proper professional know-how pertaining to diabetic management and diet. While the reviewed studies underscore kinetic diet as an important factor in diabetes 2 effective management, there is need to appraise specific food substances in sufficient depth to establish impact in diabetes 2 managerial effectiveness.

References

Gundry, S. R. (2017) The Plant Paradox: The hidden dangers in healthy foods that cause disease and weight gain. New York: Harper Wave.

Hartwig, M. & Hartwig, D. (2015). The Whole30: The 30-day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

McKenzie, A. L., Hallberg, S. J., Creighton, B. C., Volk, B. M., Link, T. M., Abner, M. K., ... & Phinney, S. D. (2017). A novel intervention including individualized nutritional recommendations reduces hemoglobin A1c level, medication use, and weight in type 2 diabetes. JMIR Diabetes, 2(1), e5.

Ramos, A., (2016). The Complete Ketogenic Diet for Beginners: Your Essential Guide to living the Keto lifestyle. Rockridge Press

McNamara, D. J. (2015). The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet, by Nina Teicholz. Reviewed by DJ McNamara.

William, A., (2016). Medical life-changing foods: Save yourself and the ones you love with the hidden healing powers of fruits and vegetables. Hay House Inc.