Ketone could be key to new diabetes dietary supplement
New study found a ketone drink can lower blood sugar levels.
Published: Published: by Interim HealthCare in Chronic Disease, Senior Care
Food, drinks and dietary supplements have a significant effect on glucose levels, which is why physicians strongly encourage diabetic patients to follow a healthy-eating plan. Research teams continue to study the elements of these eating plans to determine the most effective formulas for controlling blood sugar through diet.
A new study from The Physiological Society found that a drinkable ketone supplementmay be a powerful dietary addition to lower blood sugar levels.
New ketone drink may be able to control blood sugar levels and curb weight gain for diabetes patients.
Testing the ketone supplement
The team of researchers at the University of British Columbia and University of Oxford tested the supplement on 20 healthy individuals. The participants fasted for 10 hours, then drank a single portion of either the ketone ester supplement or a placebo. After 30 minutes, each consumed a drink with 75 grams of sugar, which is the amount used in standard oral glucose tolerance tests. Over a two and a half hour period, the researchers took blood samples from the participants every 15 to 30 minutes. This allowed them to monitor any changes in glucose, lipid and hormone levels.
Compared to the placebo, the researchers found that when participants consumed the ketone supplement, the blood sugar spike from the sweet drink was reduced. These results demonstrated that by lowering sugar levels, a single ketone drink can help control blood sugar – an important aspect of monitoring diabetes.
The researchers chose to begin the testing process by analyzing the effects on healthy individuals in order to reduce any complications or variables from insulin resistance in diabetes patients. However, with positive results from the initial study, the researchers will be able to conduct further research on participants with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Foods and supplements for a diabetic diet
While it’s promising that the ketone supplement will be able to help diabetes patients control their blood sugar, they will need to wait for further testing before they have access to this kind of drink. In the meantime, the Mayo Clinic recommended a diabetes diet to manage glucose, maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure and avoid high blood fats. This includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich foods, various nuts and fish, while avoiding foods high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
There aren’t any supplements that will entirely replace healthy eating and medication, but some natural remedies can help manage diabetes symptoms. According to Healthline, cinnamon, bitter melon, alpha-lipoic acid, magnesium and green tea can all be beneficial dietary supplements for diabetes patients. However, it’s important to always check with a doctor before adding any supplements to diets. And with more research impending, keep an eye out for ketone supplements in the coming future.
