Popular low-carb diets, such as the keto diet, might be causing more harm than good over time, according to a new study from Australia. While these diets can help people with diabetes manage their weight and blood sugar, their long-term benefits and safety for those without diabetes are being questioned.
The 17-year study suggests that if refined sugars and starches are not replaced with healthy alternatives, a low-carb diet could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Monash University and RMIT University conducted the study and highlighted that a healthy diet is crucial for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. They noted that the diet needed for prevention may differ from the one recommended for managing diabetes.
To explore this, the researchers analyzed health data from nearly 40,000 residents of Melbourne, collected between 1990 and 1994, with follow-up data from 1995 to 1998 and 2003 to 2007. Participants’ diets were assessed based on their carbohydrate intake relative to fats and proteins, rather than the absolute amount of carbohydrates consumed.
Participants were divided into groups based on their low-carb diet score. The top 20 percent of this group consumed about 38 percent of their energy from carbohydrates, while the bottom 20 percent got about 55 percent of their energy from carbs. Those who consumed the least amount of carbohydrates were 20 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes over the study period compared to those who ate more carbohydrates.
The increased risk was largely attributed to a higher body mass index (BMI). The study suggests that low-carb diets might lead to weight gain over time, potentially raising the risk of metabolic diseases. This risk could be due to the high fat content, particularly unsaturated fats, in these diets.
Participants with the lowest carbohydrate intake also consumed less fiber and more protein and fat compared to those with higher carbohydrate intake. This indicates that focusing solely on carbohydrates is insufficient. The study argues that other dietary components must also be considered.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence questioning the long-term benefits of the keto diet, which promotes a low-carb, high-fat eating pattern. A recent analysis found a troubling link between the keto diet and increased risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and irritable bowel disease.
Overall, the study suggests that a balanced diet is crucial for preventing metabolic diseases. While reducing refined sugars and starches is beneficial, replacing them with saturated fats may lead to other health issues.
