A New Low Carb Study Shows… Increased Diabetes?

Low-carb diets have significantly increased in popularity over the past decade. It’s simple – these diets deny the body an influx of carbs by limiting vegetables, fruits, and other carbohydrate-rich foods. Instead, dieters are encouraged to eat high-fat foods. The results can be striking, and many patients who pursue a strict low-carb diet lose a significant amount of weight in the early days, weeks, and months. However, is low carb the right way to approach weight loss before and after bariatric surgery? This article discusses a recent study with surprising results and the best ways to pursue weight loss before and after bariatric surgery.

Previous Studies

Studies as early as 2018 have shown, at least in mouse models, that an early keto diet may increase the risk of diabetes because the body is thrown off balance and cannot properly regulate blood sugar. Check this out

A New Study – Results

A recent study had some results that you might not have predicted, but when digging a little deeper, they were not as shocking as many headlines made it appear. The study showed that patients on a lower-carb diet were 20% more likely to suffer from type-2 diabetes than patients who consumed a balanced diet. While on the surface, this may entirely rule out low-carb, we must understand that this correlation was primarily seen in higher BMI patients, but there was no significance when accounting for BMI.

Further, the lower carb-consuming cohort in the study did not consume enough calories to be considered keto. As such, it’s difficult to judge the keto diet, in particular, based on this study alone.

Finally, patients will likely lose significant weight by eliminating carbohydrates. In the early days, this is probably due to water, weight loss, and burning glycogen stores. Longer-term, ketosis can help patients burn body fat. The type-2 diabetes risk is perhaps not from lower carb intake, but what the carbs are replaced with. Low-carb diets often do not specify what to eat, and there is plenty of unhealthy food that can be consumed as part of a low-carb or keto diet, including items that are high in saturated fat. This is likely a contributing factor to the results.

Does That Mean That Keto Is Good for Weight Loss?

While a direct correlation between keto and an increase in diabetes is unlikely, this does not mean keto is an appropriate diet after bariatric surgery. The most successful diets balance carbohydrates, fat, and protein, promoting a calorie deficit based on a patient’s Basil Metabolic Rate (BMR). Exercise is a big part of the equation as well.

It’s important to remember that after bariatric surgery, you will likely consume fewer carbohydrates, but there is a place for complex carbohydrates—those high in fiber and nutritional value that keep hunger at bay. These carbs give us energy and should not be eliminated from the diet. Doing so can often cause more harm than good.

On the other hand, you should eliminate bad carbohydrates, starting with the worst offenders. These are simple carbs like white bread, added sugar, and white rice. Swap these carbs for healthy options containing plenty of fiber, including berries and other low-glycemic fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

Trick: If you are a postoperative bariatric patient, you must maintain your protein intake. With your smaller stomach pouch, you can ensure that you do by eating your protein first at every meal. Your fat and carb intake will naturally be limited once you consume protein.

Also, be on the lookout for hidden sugars. Some products hide their sugar content by calling them by a different name—something you may never have heard of, like dextrin, galactose (or any -ose), or even treacle.

Bonus tip: Many bariatric practices advocate for artificial and natural low- or 0-calorie sweeteners instead of regular sugar to ensure that foods and drinks are palatable. These should be used sparingly, as they have also been proven to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Just because they do not impart any calories doesn’t mean they don’t have a similar effect on the body as regular sugar. Where possible, enjoy unsweetened drinks to get the best of all worlds.

The Bottom Line

Before considering your new diet and exercise plan to be the end of life as you know it, it’s important to remember that you have a lot of leeway. Ultimately, there are very few limitations on what you can do and can eat if it is all done in moderation. Even good habits can be overdone and can be ultimately detrimental. Therefore, be mindful of your body, keep your goals at the forefront, and remember that all the weight loss options at your fingertips can work together or sequentially to help you reach and maintain your goals. Contact us if you have any questions.