Does the Keto Diet Increase the Risk of Diabetes?

Does the Keto Diet Increase the Risk of Diabetes?

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By Maryam Azizi, M.Sc.Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH

What is the Keto Diet?

The keto diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet. Low carbohydrate and moderate protein intake results in the production of small molecules known as “ketones”. These ketones are used for energy when the body does not produce enough glucose (blood sugar).

During a keto diet, the body runs on fat and therefore burns fat all the time. This process, where the body uses fat as a fuel and produces ketones is known as ketosis. The production of ketones increases as insulin levels drop when people adhere to the keto diet.