Post Time: 2025-09-01
The Most Valuable Resource for Inflammation and Diabetes Treatments #carnivore #keto #ketovore
Inflammation and diabetes are two of the most pressing health concerns in modern society. While conventional medicine offers various treatments, many individuals are exploring alternative approaches that focus on dietary changes. One increasingly popular approach centers around low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets like carnivore, keto, and ketovore eating styles. These diets, with their focus on animal-based products and limited plant matter, are being recognized as valuable resources for managing and even reversing inflammation and diabetes. In this article, we'll delve into why these dietary approaches are gaining traction and how they could be beneficial.
Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms
Before we explore how carnivore, keto, and ketovore diets can help, it's important to grasp the basic mechanisms linking diet, inflammation, and diabetes. Chronic inflammation is a major player in the progression of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Processed foods, high in carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, are often cited as major contributors to systemic inflammation. These foods cause blood sugar spikes, triggering insulin resistance over time and setting the stage for type 2 diabetes. When you consume excess sugar or highly processed carbohydrates, your body's cells become less responsive to insulin. This leads to high blood glucose levels and increases inflammation. The typical Western diet, abundant in sugars, processed grains, and vegetable oils, is essentially fuel for chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
| Component of Western Diet | Impact on Body |
|---|---|
| Refined Sugars | Causes blood sugar spikes, promotes insulin resistance, fuels inflammation |
| Processed Grains | Can contribute to inflammation due to high glycemic index, digestive issues |
| Vegetable Oils | High in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids |
How Carnivore, Keto, and Ketovore Diets Combat Inflammation
The primary method through which these dietary approaches fight inflammation involves the substantial reduction of carbohydrates and the corresponding increase in fat consumption, particularly from animal sources.
Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet, which exclusively focuses on animal products (meat, fish, eggs, and some animal-based fats), is perhaps the most extreme of the three. By completely eliminating plant-based foods, proponents argue that this diet reduces the intake of substances that are considered anti-nutrients or potential inflammatory triggers for many people, like lectins and oxalates, found in plants. It is very effective at cutting the consumption of highly processed food which is a huge contributor to inflammation.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet (keto) restricts carbohydrates and moderates protein, while emphasizing high fat intake. This pushes the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for fuel instead of glucose. Ketosis leads to the production of ketone bodies, which can have anti-inflammatory effects and provides a clean fuel source for the brain. Because the ketogenic diet does allow limited amounts of plant-based foods that are low in carbohydrates such as non-starchy vegetables and low-sugar berries, people that are hesitant to start carnivore find this to be a better starting place for them.
Ketovore Diet
The ketovore diet can be described as a middle-ground between carnivore and keto. It prioritizes animal products but includes limited low-carb plant foods like non-starchy vegetables. It aims to offer the anti-inflammatory benefits of a carnivore approach, while providing some flexibility and variety in the diet, which is very popular for many reasons.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Diet | Primary Foods | Carbohydrate Restriction | Anti-inflammatory focus | Plant Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnivore | Meat, Fish, Eggs, Animal Fats | Extreme | High | None |
| Keto | Fats, Moderate Protein, Low-Carb Veg | Strict | Moderate to High | Low, non-starchy veggies |
| Ketovore | Animal products, some low-carb veggies | Significant | Moderate | Limited, low-carb |
All three diets share a common characteristic of reducing carbohydrate intake and improving insulin sensitivity. This helps mitigate the negative consequences of high blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation. Because of this approach to nutrient intake, many people experience a wide variety of improvements to various symptoms, including blood sugar regulation and systemic inflammation.
The Impact on Diabetes: Blood Sugar Control and Insulin Sensitivity
One of the most significant potential benefits of carnivore, keto, and ketovore diets is their ability to manage and even reverse type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar regulation. Here's how they achieve this:
-
Reduced Glucose Load: By significantly cutting down on carbohydrates, these diets lessen the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. This leads to more stable blood sugar levels and reduces the constant stress on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
-
Improved Insulin Sensitivity: When insulin levels are constantly elevated, cells can become resistant to its effects. This makes it harder for glucose to enter cells for energy, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. By avoiding carbohydrates, these diets help restore sensitivity to insulin over time, which can reduce the need for medications.
-
Stabilized Energy Levels: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and hunger. The fat-based fuel of these diets provides stable, long-lasting energy, reducing dependence on frequent carb-heavy meals.
Real-world Data & Case Examples
Numerous testimonials and case studies showcase the efficacy of these diets for managing diabetes. Though larger clinical trials are still needed, early research and anecdotal evidence show that individuals who shift to carnivore, keto, or ketovore diets often experience:
- Lowered HbA1c levels, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
- Reduced need for diabetes medications.
- Weight loss, which can significantly improve insulin resistance.
- Increased energy levels and mental clarity.
For example, a pilot study looking at a ketogenic diet and type 2 diabetes found significant improvements in blood sugar control. Participants following the diet reduced their HbA1c levels significantly. Another clinical trial found that some patients could reverse their type 2 diabetes through dietary intervention and without the need for drugs.
However, it’s essential to understand that these diets aren't one-size-fits-all. They may require careful planning and adjustments to avoid potential nutrient deficiencies, and it is essential to work closely with your healthcare practitioner. Especially individuals who have existing health problems.
| Measurement | Conventional Diet | Low-Carb Approach | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| HbA1c (Blood Sugar Control) | 7.5% or higher | 5.7-6.4% | Significant Improvement |
| Medication Usage | Regular medications needed | Lower or No Need | Reduced Reliance |
| Weight | Stagnant or Increased | Reduced | Weight Loss |
| Energy Levels | Fluctuating | Stable | Increased |
Practical Implementation: Getting Started
If you’re considering one of these diets to manage inflammation and diabetes, it is critical to do so under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. These approaches do take planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you start:
- Start gradually. Don’t drastically change your diet overnight. For some, it can cause more harm than good. Consider starting with a keto or ketovore approach before transitioning to the more restrictive carnivore diet.
- Focus on nutrient density. Whether you choose carnivore, keto, or ketovore, prioritize high-quality, nutrient-rich foods such as grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised eggs. This ensures that you are not creating further deficiencies.
- Stay Hydrated. A diet with less plant matter or processed carbohydrates will drastically decrease the amount of water you are naturally taking in with your food. Remember to drink enough water every day to stay properly hydrated.
- Track your progress: Keep a journal or use an app to monitor how your body responds to the dietary changes. If necessary adjust accordingly with the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Here's a sample shopping list for getting started on a Ketovore diet:
| Protein | Fats | Limited Plant Items |
|---|---|---|
| Grass-fed Beef | Lard, Tallow | Avocado |
| Wild Salmon | Bone Marrow | Spinach |
| Pasture Raised Chicken | Butter | Asparagus |
| Eggs | Heavy Cream | Bell Peppers |
| Bone Broth |
The Bottom Line
The carnivore, keto, and ketovore diets offer a powerful nutritional approach to tackling the pervasive issues of inflammation and diabetes. By prioritizing animal-based foods, restricting carbohydrates, and promoting fat utilization for fuel, these diets can lead to profound improvements in blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health. While these dietary approaches may not be appropriate for everyone, they represent a valuable tool in the fight against chronic disease. With thoughtful planning, these eating styles can bring relief to those seeking real solutions for better health, and to potentially lower the risk of developing these conditions in the first place. As always, consult with a healthcare practitioner before making significant changes to your diet to ensure that any strategy is right for your personal needs.
Do artificial sweeteners like Stevia raise blood sugar or insulin levels? A lot of people with diabetes are using Stevia because it comes from plants and has zero calories. But according to Dr. David Katz, the best natural sugar for diabetics is still real food. Here's why he's generally opposed to artificial sweeteners and what he thinks of Stevia. Notes from Dr. David Katz: Are artificial sweeteners better? I really don’t know, because nobody knows for sure. The literature on this topic is mixed with some studies showing benefit from cutting out sugar and calories through the medium of no-calorie, “artificial” sweeteners. Other studies, however, suggest that the currently prevailing sugar substitutes may do significant damage of their own. Whether or how this pertains to the newer entries such as stevia, or monk fruit extract, is still a work in progress. What I can say what can high blood sugar levels cause is that I avoid artificial sweeteners personally for three reasons. First, the precautionary principle, does diet coke increase blood sugar levels which argues that it’s safer to assume harms until they are disproven than it is to assume harmlessness until it is confirmed. Second, when sugar is “put in its place” and one’s diet is made up overwhelmingly of unprocessed foods, there is neither need, nor place, for artificial sweeteners. And third, I think there is a better way to reduce sugar intake, which I call “taste bud rehab.” By trading up choices and eliminating stealth sugar first, and more overt sugar after, you can cut your intake of sugar and calories; avoid any actual or potential harms of chemical additives; and rehabilitate/sensitize your palate into the bargain, so you actually come to prefer more wholesome, less copiously sweetened food. (Full article at: David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM is a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition. He earned his BA at Dartmouth College (1984); his MD at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1988); and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health (1993). He completed sequential residency training and board certification in Internal Medicine (1991) and Preventive Medicine/Public Health (1993). Katz is the founder and former director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (1998-2019); Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; President and Founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative; and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. He is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American College of Physicians; the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; and Morse College, Yale University. (Full bio at: 👉SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL 👉GUARANTEED DIABETES COACHING If you’re living with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes and are tired of high blood sugar, a high A1c, being overweight, or feeling low energy, apply for Personalized Coaching today. Or if you’re living with type 1 or type 1.5 diabetes and want to control your blood sugar with precision, lower your A1c, increase your time in range (TIR), and lower your insulin use, our Personalized Coaching program can help. All of our programs are 100% guaranteed to lower your A1c and help you achieve your body weight. If we don’t deliver results, we’ll either coach you for free until you do, or we’ll give you your money back. Guaranteed. Click here to apply: 📺WHAT TO WATCH NEXT Insulin Resistance Diet — What To Eat & Why 8 Tips on How to Lower Your Blood Sugar | Mastering Diabetes 100 mg dl blood sugar level EP 128 Insulin Resistance and Low Carbohydrate Diet by Dr Neal Barnard | Mastering Diabetes Low Fat vs Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss and Diabetes | Mastering Diabetes | Robby Barbaro What is Insulin Resistance | Simple Explanation | What Cause Insulin Resistance | Mastering Diabetes 😎 FOLLOW US Podcast: Instagram: Facebook: Mastering Diabetes Cyrus Khambatta, PhD Robby Barbaro, MPH Diabetes Nutrition and Fitness Coaches