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diabetes
diabetes diet
Atkins Diet Diabetes |
Atkins Diet DiabetesDr.
Robert Atkins created the Atkins protein diet. Atkins diet concentrates on low carbohydrate consumption, which leads to quick weight loss. Foods high in carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, sugar, fruit juices, potato increases the secretion of insulin. This leads to storage of fats in the body.
Atkins protein diet is helpful especially in cases of type 2 diabetics since this type of diabetes is seen mainly in obese people.
Atkins diet diabetes aims to propel the body to burn the existing fats for production of energy by making the body thrive on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Atkins protein diet is carried out in three stages. In the first stage, the carbohydrate intake is limited to 20 grams per day. Foods such as rice, potatoes, high carbohydrate fruits such as bananas, milk & milk products are avoided. One can eat meat, eggs, and some salads.
The second stage allows some increase in the intake of carbohydrates in the diet so that the weight loss is gradual. Finally in the third stage, when the ideal weight is achieved carbohydrate consumption is increased further. This is done till the weight finally settles down and stops fluctuating. In the third phase, the carbohydrate intake per day should not be more than 90 grams per day.
When the body does not get carbohydrates to produce energy, it switches to fats.
Through the process of ketosis, the fats in the body are burned. Carbohydrates digest quickly and that is why we feel hungry soon. But while following the Atkins diet eating a lot of proteins makes our stomach feel full and we do not eat much between meals.
The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine claims to have successfully reduced the weight of thousands of its patients who have adhered to Atkins protein diet.
Atkins diet is considered to lead to quick weight loss as compared to the standard routine diets.
However, studies have not shown any substantial difference in atkins diet weight loss levels. Some dieticians express concern that due to the pre-requisite of low-carbohydrate intake, the atkins diet presents very limited choices. Another issue is that the vitamin deficiencies and high fat consumption can be risky especially for those with heart-related diseases. Since fats have to be broken down to produce glucose, ketones are produced. This too can be harmful.
Atkins diabetes diet can especially help type 2 diabetics since they need to reduce weight.
Research also suggests that atkins diet helps to some extent in increasing the sensitivity to insulin. This helps to alleviate the blood sugar levels. While atkins diabetes diet type can vary, it is considered to be detrimental for type 1 diabetics who are on insulin therapy. Low carbohydrate levels may lead to hypoglycemia and reduction of insulin intake may cause ketoacidosis for type 1 diabetics.
Atkins diet diabetes can definitely be effective in short-term but after the diet is over, one has to maintain the weight by regular exercises and physical activity.
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