New Mexico Doctor Believes Keto Could Combat the Diabetes Epidemic

Today, approximately twelve percent of New Mexico residents have diabetes; a number that’s risen from less than five percent in 1990. Last year, it was the sixth-leading cause of death in the state. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand exactly how dangerous diabetes really is. People suffering from diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a stroke or develop cardiovascular disease. Yet Americans are continuously encouraged to reduce fat consumption and eat diets high in carbohydrates.

Carb-Heavy Diets Are Dangerous for Diabetics

Dr. Heather Wood, a psychiatrist in Albuquerque understands the diabetic dilemma1 all too well. Though she consumed a diet low in fat and rich in complex carbs for years, both her HbA1c2 (average blood sugar) and weight continued to climb. Eventually, she realized that she would soon be a diabetic like so many others if something didn’t change. Committed to gaining new insight and health, she turned to recent studies which show carbohydrate-rich diets have adverse effects on diabetics.

To begin, she referenced a study published in Nature, which analyzed adults with either diabetes or prediabetes. The control group consumed a standard calorie-restricted diet of moderate carbohydrates and low fats. The test group, however, consumed a calorically unrestricted diet rich in fats and proteins, but low in carbohydrates. Both groups were counseled on proper exercise, sleep, and mindful eating. After three months, the test group showed a significant reduction of HbA1c, lost double the weight, and greatly reduced the use of diabetes medications. Moreover, these results remained significant a year later.

Less Medication, More Real Food

Dr. Wood cleared her pantry of all the bread, sugars, fruits, and pasta. Instead, she filled her refrigerator with healthy fats and proteins. She dove into the ketogenic lifestyle full-force, and by her next checkup, her HbA1c was within the healthy range. Five years later, she remains healthy and is no longer prediabetic. For all intents and purposes, a keto diet helped her find balance and health.

She notes that a perfect diet is difficult to nail down, as diets tend to vary in effectiveness by each person. However, a growing body of research shows time and again that a great number of cases of type 2 diabetes can be measurably treated with low-carb diets. Since diabetes and prediabetes cost New Mexico around $2 billion each year, it seems natural that less reliance on medication and an increased focus on real foods might be the solution after all.