Effects of the Atkins diet on Diabetes

With diabetes patients predicted to top 500 million by 2030 if current diagnsis trends continue, an effective method for controlling the disease without the use of side effect laden drugs has never been more needed.

The Atkins diet has been heralded by some as a potential cure for type II diabetes, with numerous success stories of sufferers losing weight, stopping medication and stabilizing blood sugar levels, often after many years of struggling with other methods.

Atkins similarly to other low carb diets, has been shown when followed correctly to both aid in weight loss and keep blood sugar levels stable. Both things important in the treatment of type two diabetes.

Carbohydrates when used by the body as a primary source of energy tend to cause spikes in blood sugar shortly after consumption due to the fact that they are broken down easily. Fats on the other and, the main energy source on low carb diets, are broken down slowly, leaving blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day.

The weight loss that goes along with following the Atkins diet of course helps lessen the symptoms of diabetes in its own way, improving blood circulation, lessening fluctuations in blood sugar levels and reducing the need for medications.

Some proponents of this approach even claim that following such a diet is a better way of treating the condition than through the use of drugs.

While there remains controversy over the long term use of low carbohydrate diets, due mainly due to the potentially dangerous impact that a diet high in animal fats could have on the kidneys in particular, many of these claims tend to lack the necessary research to support or deny them fully. Such claims include reduced athletic ability, loss of bone density, kidney and liver problems, excess ammonia production and compromised immune system function.

There are however short term and less serious side effects that many people report experiencing that can affect their ability to stick to the diet.

• Insomnia
• Food cravings
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Constipation

While the general consensus in the scientific and medical communities is that Atkins and similar low carb diets are effective in controlling diabetic symptoms, there are also those who suggest that such diets could in fact trigger the onset of diabetes in otherwise healthy people.

The argument put forward by some doctors is that a high protein diet can lead to both insulin resistance and higher blood cholesterol, both of which can potentially lead to diabetes.

The validity of these claims has yet to be verified extensively due to two main factors. Firstly there is a distinct lack of long term research into the Atkins diet and its possible effects on the body. Secondly such diets if followed properly shouldn't tend to raise blood cholesterol, and it can be argued that many of the negative claims surrounding such diets are down to them not being followed correctly rather than inherent problems with the programs themselves.