Ketosis may improve glycaemic control – can we use it in T2D therapy?

April 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo

Ketogenesis is the production of ketone bodies (KB) when glucose levels decline and the glucagon:insulin ratio is high. When the body is deprived of glucose, KB act as an alternative fuel source for brain, heart, kidneys and skeletal muscles. KB have also been shown to have other physiological functions including lower glucose levels.

To understand the potential therapeutic implications of KB, we need to revise our knowledge about KB metabolism.…

VLCD may cause initial reduction in cardiac function

March 2018, Dr Chee L Khoo

Several meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials showed that ketogenic diets induce a long-term significant improvement in body weight, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, when compared to low fat diets. However, rapid weight loss may cause a transient rise in plasma triglycerides which can contribute to impairment in cardiac function in the short term.

The heart has a very high energy demand, which is met almost entirely by the mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates.…