For many runners, carbs are
king – but a new study out of Virginia Tech suggests
that those with diabetes or high blood sugar may want
to examine fats in their diets. Researchers found that
mice with hyperglycemia who followed a ketogenic diet
(a high fat, moderate protein, and low carb plan) experienced
a normalization of blood glucose levels, clearing the
metabolic barrier that typically prevents high blood sugar
from improving aerobic capacity through exercise. According
to
"Scientists found a surprising way to make exercise
work better," the study found that when the keto
diet was paired with regular aerobic activity, the mice
developed a higher proportion of oxidative muscle fibers,
increased capillary density, and a higher VO2 max. However,
time to exhaustion didn't improve. The keto-fed mice ran
out of steam at the same rate as the control group, which
the researchers suspect was due to depleted glycogen levels.
When the mice were given a one-week carbohydrate restoration
period, their actual exercise performance did improve.
We should note this research doesn’t prove humans
will respond to keto diets in the same way as mice, so
to read up on our current understanding of its effects,
you can check out: "Keto
and Running: Everything You Need to Know." The
article notes that keto-adaptation has been shown to impair
high-intensity endurance performance, and that carbohydrates
remain the most efficient fuel source for speed and PRs.
That being said, keto could benefit those looking to manage
weight or control blood sugar, but you should speak with
your doctor before making any dietary changes. For now,
researcher Sarah Lessard notes that for many people, a
Mediterranean-style approach may be a more practical path
to managing blood sugar.
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