A Closer Look at 7 Common Low-Carb Diet Blunders for People Living with Diabetes

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Carbohydrates are known to significantly impact blood sugar levels. As a result, adopting low-carb diets is a widely accepted nutritional approach for reducing blood sugar levels and enhancing the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Research has consistently shown that adhering to a low-carb, high-protein dietary regimen can be a highly effective way for individuals with type 2 diabetes to regulate their blood sugar levels and mitigate the risk of subsequent spikes. In a 2021 research review, it was demonstrated that a low-carb diet can significantly benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome, characterized by the presence of abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, triglyceride, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar levels. Notably, this improvement occurred even in the absence of weight loss.

While a low-carb diet may seem like a simple solution for managing type 2 diabetes, it’s not always as straightforward as simply reducing carbohydrate intake? Seven low-carb diet blunders to sidestep for optimal blood glucose control and all-around well-being.

1. When embarking on a low-carb diet, many individuals focus solely on reducing their carbohydrate intake, neglecting the vast array of options available. By limiting your exploration to just a few popular choices, you may be missing out on the most effective and sustainable approaches for your unique needs.

Instead, take the time to explore the full spectrum of low-carb diets, from the ultra-restrictive keto diet to the more relaxed LCHF (low-carb high-fat) approach. Each has its own set of benefits and challenges, so it’s essential to understand how they differ before making an informed decision.

To get started, consider consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian who can help you determine which low-carb diet is best suited for your lifestyle, health goals, and dietary preferences. With their guidance, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect fit and reaping the rewards of a well-executed low-carb plan.

While definitions of “low-carb” can differ across individuals and experts, a general consensus emerges around daily carb intake limits. While no universally accepted guideline exists for the optimal daily carb intake on a low-carb diet, Patti Urbanski, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, suggests that individualized approaches may be most effective. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.

While definitions may vary, a commonly cited threshold for a low-carb diet is consuming fewer than 26% of total daily calories from carbohydrates, as one article suggests. On a 2,000-calorie diet, individuals would need to limit their daily carb intake to approximately 130 grams or less.

“Extremely low-carb” diets restrict carb intake to a mere 20-50g daily, while ketogenic diets, sharing similarities, may necessitate even more drastic reductions in carbohydrate consumption. According to Urbanski, approximately 45% of the average American’s daily caloric intake comes from carbohydrates.

What’s your style? According to Lori Zanini, a registered dietitian in private practice based in Manhattan Beach, California, numerous factors come into play when determining an individual’s optimal daily carbohydrate intake. “The key factors that influence the effectiveness of a personalized nutrition plan include tightly controlled blood sugar levels, current medication or insulin regimens, presence of comorbidities, individual food choices, budgetary constraints, and defined health objectives.”

2. Failing to maintain open lines of communication with your healthcare team can lead to misunderstandings and missteps in your treatment plan?

Working closely with your diabetes care team is crucial in determining the optimal low-carb strategy tailored to your unique needs, yet it’s equally important to proactively mitigate potential risks and complications associated with drastically reducing carb intake to effectively manage type 2 diabetes?

You and your healthcare provider may require adjustments to your medication regimen to prevent potential issues such as hypoglycemia, cardiac complications, and diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious medical condition that necessitates immediate attention. For individuals taking insulin, insulin-promoting medications, or blood pressure medications, this is particularly relevant, according to Urbanski. Additionally, SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of oral medications designed to enhance kidney function and lower blood sugar levels, can precipitate life-threatening DKA in some individuals, particularly when combined with low-carbohydrate diets that amplify this risk, according to her. Experts caution that individuals taking SGLT2 inhibitors should refrain from following a low-carb diet without prior consultation with their physician, who may advise discontinuing the medication temporarily to ensure safe and effective treatment. According to the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including canagliflozin (marketed as Invokana), dapagliflozin (marketed as Farxiga), and empagliflozin (marketed as Jardiance).

To achieve optimal outcomes, collaboration with your healthcare team should transcend mere approval for embarking on a new dietary regimen, involving active communication and mutual support throughout the process. According to Urbanski’s explanation, Medicare covers a total of four hours annually in diabetes education and nutrition counseling for individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to her, Medicare’s primary concern is paying for treatments that have been rigorously tested and shown to be effective, making the minimum recommended four hours of annual mental health care a worthwhile objective. While some individuals require yearly check-ins, others may derive greater benefits from more frequent consultations with a registered dietitian or diabetes educator, ideally every two to three months.

To locate a certified dietitian-nutritionist, simply visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ comprehensive national referral database online. Seek out certified diabetes care and education specialists at the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education, ensuring expert guidance for optimal management of this chronic condition.

3. Failing to consistently monitor blood sugar levels can have severe consequences for one’s health.

While following a low-carb diet may contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels, it is no guarantee that they will remain stable. Without proper vigilance, instances of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia may arise, notes Vandana Sheth, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist certified in diabetes education and support.

“When embarking on a low-carb dietary regimen, it’s crucial to monitor blood sugar levels to inform adjustments to meal sizes and medication doses, according to her expert advice.” For optimal decision-making, consider leveraging the real-time insights of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), capable of taking accurate blood sugar readings every five minutes or less. Notably, Medicare covers CGM for individuals relying on insulin therapy, and many private insurers also offer coverage for this innovative tool.

4. The misguided obsession with counting total carbohydrates has led many to overlook a crucial aspect of nutrition: carb quality. By fixating solely on the quantity of carbs in their diet, individuals are missing out on the opportunity to optimize their consumption by focusing on nutrient-dense sources.

For optimal well-being, adopting a low-carb lifestyle requires more than simply eliminating certain foods from your regimen. As a key component of their nutrition plan, individuals are encouraged to focus on adding specific nutrients and foods that support overall health and well-being. Ultimately, a well-structured diet satisfies all bodily nutritional demands while staying within the bounds of caloric requirements.

When individuals become overly focused on limiting carbohydrates, they may inadvertently replace these essential nutrients with high-calorie fats, not to mention processed foods and artificial sweeteners replete with chemicals. When adhering to a low-carb regimen, prioritizing whole, minimally processed ingredients is crucial for success. While including high-fat foods like olive oil, avocado, walnuts, and salmon is certainly viable, the optimal amount of fat intake hinges on whether one is adhering to a ketogenic diet or seeking to construct lean muscle via increased protein consumption, notes Urbanski. Engaging in ongoing discussions with a credentialed dietitian fosters effective collaboration.

Without seeking direct guidance from a registered dietitian, you can still tap into their expertise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ flagship website, EatRight.org, is a trusted hub for evidence-based nutrition guidance, effective eating plans, and innovative recipes that promote optimal health and wellness.

5. Is eating all your carbohydrates in one sitting a more effective way to manage blood sugar levels than spreading them out throughout the day? Some people swear by this approach, claiming that it allows for better insulin sensitivity and reduced cravings.

While aiming for a lower daily carbohydrate intake may seem like an effective strategy for achieving weight loss or improving overall health, Dr. Urbanski cautions that setting an unrealistically low target can lead to increased difficulties in maintaining the diet consistently throughout the day and night. Avoid the temptation to ration your carbohydrate intake, instead choosing to spread it evenly throughout the day. Distributing carbohydrate intake consistently across the day is crucial to mitigating substantial fluctuations in blood sugar, while also maintaining optimal energy levels and cognitive function. According to Sheth, individuals with type 2 diabetes are advised to target a daily carbohydrate intake of 30-45 grams per meal for optimal management. To strike the perfect carbohydrate equilibrium, calculate your desired daily carb intake and then portion it evenly across your planned meals. While snacks are included in the overall carb count, they typically need to be significantly lower in carbohydrates than meals.

6. Fiber’s impact on our overall health cannot be overstated – it’s truly a powerhouse nutrient. Without sufficient fiber intake, we’re missing out on its incredible benefits, from supporting healthy digestion to regulating blood sugar levels.

Fiber’s importance extends beyond digestive health, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, promoting optimal insulin function, and facilitating weight management through its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and increase feelings of fullness.

Despite consuming high-carbohydrate diets, many Americans are still failing to meet their daily fiber needs. A recent study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes typically meet only around 12-13% of their daily fibre intake recommendations. According to the USDA’s guidelines, adult men under 50 require a daily intake of approximately 38 grams, while women in the same age group should consume around 25 grams. According to current recommendations, women over the age of 50 require a daily intake of approximately 21 grams, while men in the same age group should consume around 30 grams daily.

On a low-carb diet, be mindful to incorporate an abundance of high-fiber foods into each meal. Low-to-moderate-carbohydrate options encompass a range of nutrient-dense foods, such as leafy greens, berries, legumes, chia seeds, and whole-grain breads and tortillas, notes registered dietitian Dr. Sheth. If difficulties persist in meeting your daily protein requirements or you begin to experience constipation, an indicator that your digestive system necessitates increased fibre intake, consider incorporating fibre supplements into your routine. Don’t rely solely on supplements to boost your fiber intake – instead, utilize them as a supplement to support a balanced diet rich in high-fiber plant-based foods, advises nutrition expert Sheth. Although fiber supplements do provide a concentrated dose of fiber, they lack the comprehensive nutrient profile found in whole fruits and vegetables, which supply essential vitamins and minerals alongside dietary fiber.

7. Depriving Your Body of Essential Hydration: The Risks of Insufficient Water Consumption

Without sufficient hydration and electrolytes, a low-carb diet can amplify the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, warns Urbanski. As a result of carbohydrate storage in the body, water is stored alongside it. As blood sugar levels decline, the body’s insulin production decreases accordingly. The kidneys eliminate excess water and sodium through urination, according to her explanation.

By reducing the consumption of high-sodium foods like potato chips as part of a low-carb diet, you can simultaneously experience a decrease in sodium levels.

Dehydration and abnormally low sodium levels can precipitate lightheadedness and dizziness, while also hindering optimal cellular function throughout the body. Discuss potential sodium concerns with your healthcare provider beforehand. In individuals with unmanaged hypertension or congestive heart failure, it is crucial to exercise caution when considering increased sodium consumption, notes the expert. According to EatRight.org, adult men should aim to consume approximately 15.5 cups of fluid daily, while women should target around 11.5 cups. However, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to determine a personalized hydration plan tailored to your unique health needs and goals.